Ministry to revive prawn farming

Prawn farming projects will be implemented according to scientific methods in the Batticaloa district, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the fresh water prawn breeding centre in Puthukudirippu, Batticaloa, the minister said all measures are in place to initiate prawn farming in Wattawan, Wakarai under the pond farming system.

They have identified 49 hectares for the project which will be implemented with the participation of 27 fisher families.

Prawn farming was carried out successfully in the Puttalam district.

Because of wrong decisions, this rich income source had been destroyed, the minister said.

"We have started prawn farming in 150 acres in Ottamawadi, Valaichchanai and Kokkadicholai areas and will monitor these projects. We have allocated Rs.80 million for the Batticaloa prawn breeding centre and we hope to breed 20 million prawn-lings annually," the minister said. RD