Present status of good aquaculture practices (GAP) in shrimp farms of south-western Coastal Area, Bangladesh

This study was conducted to evaluate the present status of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in shrimp farms (Ghers) of Shyamnagar and Kaliganj upazila under Satkhira district, Bangladesh. Data were collected from randomly selected 54 shrimp farmers by personal interviewing with a well structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Crosscheck Interviews (CI) with key informants. In Shyamnagar upazila, 61% shrimp farmers were found to use their land for paddy culture as an alternative purpose and among them 81% treat their land with chemicals before shrimp culture while in Kaliganj upazila, 75% farmers use their land for paddy culture and only 29% treat their land before shrimp culture. Ring toilets were present near 42% and 18% shrimp farms of Shyamnagar and Kaliganj upazila respectively. To control the pest, 35% and 25% shrimp farmers of Shyamnagar and Kaliganj upazila were found to use banned chemicals (Sumithine and Thiodine), respectively. For disease control, 19% and 18% farmers were found to use chemicals (Lime, Sumithine and Thiodine) in Shyamnagar and Kaliganj upazila, respectively. In Shyamnagar, 92% farmers use formulated brand feed (Aqua-P) whereas only 18% farmers use it in Kaliganj. In both Shyamnagar and Kaliganj upazila, farmers do not know the proper way of harvesting, scientific holding system of shrimp and appropriate ration of shrimp and ice for preservation.