REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Greater availability of superior shrimp mothers and fry is required to make shrimp farming a success in Indonesia, an official has said.

"Efforts to increase shrimp production need to be supported by enough stocks of high-quality shrimp mothers and fry," the Director General for Cultured Fish Affairs of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Slamet Soedjakto, said here on Friday.

Based on data at the Directorate General of Cultured Fish Affairs, Indonesia's shrimp production in 2013 is estimated at 608 thousand tons. In 2014, it is forecast to increase to 699 thousand tons.

Therefore, special attention must be given to the availability of superior shrimp mother and fry stocks, particularly if Indonesia aims to have an advanced fisheries sector, as proposed by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif Cicip Sutardjo.

He said shrimp breeders are increasing again amid the government's efforts to revitalize idle shrimp ponds, so supplies of shrimp mother and young shrimp need to increase.

Slamet has, on several occasions, said that the government's efforts to revitalize shrimp breeding have successfully increased shrimp production in the country.

"The program has been able to increase shrimp production and the productivity of idle shrimp ponds. It has also been able to improve the prosperity of the people," he said.

Efforts are continuing to boost national shrimp production to meet local and international demand for shrimps.

He said that the revitalization program, in the form of a pilot project called "defarm" or demonstration farm, has also proved successful in encouraging the growth of new shrimp ponds.

As a result, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is considering investing in the fisheries sector, particularly in shrimp farming, deputy chairman Yugi Prayanto said.

"Demand for shrimp overseas is showing an upward trend," Yugi Prayanto added on Monday.

He noted that Kadin is interested in developing shrimp projects because the price of shrimp is expected to increase and the technology to cultivate shrimp is already being used in the country.

In addition, Indonesia has large shrimp ponds and its shrimp are disease-free.

"The cultured fish business, in general, has better prospects than conventional fishing. Banks view this business as more feasible, easier to assess and turnover is guaranteed," Kadin's deputy chairman said.

Harry Lukminto, Kadin's permanent committee deputy chairman for business development, marine and fisheries technology affairs, added that Indonesia should have confidence in developing its shrimp farming industry.

He noted that the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) had earlier predicted that Thailand's and China's demand for shrimp would remain high and would not be met by their own production. So, they would have to import shrimp.

Indonesia stands a good chance of increasing exports to those countries and should exploit its competitive edge, especially since it has the longest and second-best coastline in the world. That ensures the country can provide year-round supply.

He said that both younger and mature shrimp were available through the entire year.

Lukminto added that the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry was already on the right track with its support for maritime and fisheries industrialization programs.

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