Black water shrimp production must be embraced by Guyanese

Jun 04, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – In the midst of all the ‘fuss’ of Local Government Election and ExxonMobil court battles, many are missing some important pieces of news. So, I take great pride and joy in reminding Guyanese that “Guyana’s black water shrimp (Peneausschmitti) production has increased significantly when compared with that of 2022.” This is indeed something quite significant and deserves attention and celebration.

According to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, “For this year, our farmers were able to produce 182.89 metric tons (182,890 kilograms) of black water shrimp in the first quarter, earning over $274 million. (and) When we look at the production figures for the first quarter of 2022, we are seeing an increase of almost 50%.” Wow! What is impressive is that this venture is a novelty in Guyana, and its success so far breathes of careful planning and implementation. It also augurs well for the future. In fact, the Minister added the reminder that “This is in keeping with our goals for the industry and a testament to the Government’s commitment to increasing local production, lowering the food import bill, and increasing both our production and export capacities. We are working towards producing 1.5 million kilograms annually by the year 2025.”

Editor, I have a few comments to make regarding this wonderful development.

First, it is that ‘we cannot go wrong when it comes to ‘shrimp farming.’ At the economic level, it creates jobs and supports local economies by providing a market for local farmers and fishermen. The double positive is that shrimp farming is also an easy thing to grasp. As a matter of fact, they grow quickly, which means that farmers can generate a good return on their investment relatively quickly. This, as we all know, will boost food security, by providing a source of protein that is in high demand worldwide.

As a caveat, I am not going to be naïve, and I know that the Guyana Government is alert to ensure that the venture will continue along the lines of sustainability, as best practices can help to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, which provide important ecological services.

At the nutritional level, shrimp consumption proves to be an excellent source of vitamin B12, providing 1.4mcg or 59% of the daily value (DV). Shrimp is also a good source of phosphorus, providing 201 mg or 16% of the DV. Shrimp also provide calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium, and I need not go on, as texts are fraught with this kind of information.

My hope is that the goal of the Government, towards having the programme replicated across several regions in the country will be pursued relentlessly. The word in the public domain is that (after assisting farmers with constructing ponds in Region Six), “… we’ve started preliminary works in Region Five. We’re also looking at other places like Region Two and so on.

Success breathes its kind, so it is time for Guyanese fishermen and sea workers to think innovatively and capitalize on better possibilities, in terms of Guyana’s geography and weather. The good thing is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is in partnership with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to enhance shrimp production in Guyana and several other Caribbean states. It is time that more come on board.

Yours truly,
H.B Singh

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Black water shrimp production must be embraced by Guyanese

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