Due to the delicious taste of shrimp, the continuous development of food culture, high protein content and high vitamin content, the global demand for shrimp continues to rise. However, since more than 50% of the shrimp sold globally is obtained from the wild ocean, it has not been able to meet this demand. Therefore, to a large extent, it shows that many countries in the world have not accepted proper shrimp farming.
The current global annual demand for shrimp is estimated to be about 4.75 million tons. China and Thailand are the world’s major shrimp producers, accounting for nearly 75% of global shrimp production. In 2018, Thailand was the largest shrimp producer with 2.59 million tons of shrimp production.
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Things to consider before starting shrimp farming
- First of all, starting a business to raise shrimp requires an initial capital investment. The specific requirements depend on the scale and output of the breeding you need. Therefore, you must be prepared for this.
- The species of shrimp plays an important role in the yield and thus the profit. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right variety.
- Although this line does not require any specific educational background, you must have certain knowledge and skills. At least, you must have 1 or 2 years of farm processing experience.
- Depending on where you live, you must consider breeding techniques. If you live in coastal areas, then marine shrimp farming is a profitable option. Otherwise, you can choose pond farming or indoor shrimp farming in tanks.
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Starting a shrimp farming business-basic steps
Location
The overall success of the shrimp farm depends largely on the quality of the pond. Generally speaking, newly dug ponds are not suitable for breeding because there is not enough food supply in the pond. In fact, shrimp like to eat insect larvae and algae, and these things are not found in Xintang. In addition, you can use water containers, large fish tanks and swimming pools. However, for commercial farming, shrimp production in natural ponds is the best.
Stocking of juvenile shrimp
Before stocking, make sure that there are no harmful insects. If insects are found, use organic methods to remove these insects and larvae. Check whether it is harmful to other fish.
In addition, temperatures within 6°F are the most suitable for the growth of juvenile shrimp. Shrimp can be raised at a rate of 12,000-16,000 per mu. Lower stocking density can increase the size of shrimp. However, it reduces the total output of catties.
The most important part of starting a business for shrimp farming is to select and purchase the desired seedling farm.
Shrimp farming equipment
Commercial shrimp farming requires specific use of equipment and tools. However, this depends on the breeding technology and the scale of the farm. Some of the most important equipment lists include inflators, PL counters, pumping systems, etc.
Machine for Making Shrimp Feed
Floating fish feed machine is the best choice for homemade fish feed and fish farms. With a floating fish feed extruder, you can use cheap local raw materials to produce high-quality feed and reduce feed costs.
Feeding
Feed the shrimp twice a day. Use special shrimp feed produced on the market. Start feeding when the size of the shrimp exceeds 5.0 grams. You can also use high-quality imported shrimp feed.
Harvesting
The harvest can begin after 2 months of stocking. However, you must check whether the growth of the shrimp is in line with the market size. There are two methods of harvesting. One is culling harvest, and the other is drainage harvest. According to the existing infrastructure, you can choose the best one.
Cooperating with production level and marketing strategy is very important. Otherwise, you will need to arrange an adequate storage facility. Before deciding to open a shrimp farm, it is important to gather more information.
Marketing concept and strategy
As a shrimp farmer, you must prove that you are not only capable of managing a shrimp farm, but also capable of supplying shrimp in commercial quantities and in a stable manner. Therefore, if you have plans to start your own shrimp farming business, it will benefit you to build your own capabilities before purchasing shrimp to supply shrimp to large hotels or food processing and packaging companies that need shrimp farms.
In fact, the barriers to entry for the small-scale shrimp farming business are very low, which means that no matter where you choose to start your business, there will be more participants in this industry. Essentially, if you have to create a market for yourself in the existing market in your community, city, state, or country, you have to be creative and innovative.