SAFETI seek a suitably qualified international consultant to carry out a 7-10 day mission to Bangladesh, to hold two seminars for farm owners, technicians, public and private stakeholders: to raise awareness of the need for GMP and to explain the evolution of technologies that enabled countries like Thailand to address problems like WSSV some years ago and AHPND more recently. Candidates should have detailed personal experience of these issues. Prior to the seminars the consultant will spend 2-3 days visiting farms to gather an understanding of the situation, the problems affecting production and likely causes, so as to better orientate the seminar approach.
The Shrimp Farming Consultant will carry out the following tasks:
Visit several shrimp farms in the Khulna area that use ‘intensive’ (aerated) production methods; and several of the SAFETI demonstration farms that suffered disease losses in 2018. Hold discussions with owners and technicians to gain an understanding of the problems and constraints the farms face, and develop recommendations to address them;
Hold two seminars for owners and technicians of ‘intensive’ (aerated) shrimp farms, staff of the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, universities, feed companies and hatcheries to raise awareness of the need for GMP in farms and of the technologies that enabled countries like Thailand to address disease challenges.
Submit an ‘Activities Report’ summarizing the work of the consultancy.
Background
WINROCK INTERNATIONAL is a non-profit organization that works with people around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources. Winrock has been awarded the USDA-funded Bangladesh Safe Aqua Farming for Economic and Trade Improvement (SAFETI) project and is implementing it through offices in Dhaka and Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore districts of Khulna Division, and in Cox’s Bazar.
The SAFETI project is being implemented with the following objectives:
Increase agricultural productivity by improving production and management of hatcheries and farms in the shrimp and prawn value chain to contribute to both improved food quality and safety, as well as to improved livelihood and environmental sustainability in the Bangladeshi prawn and shrimp industry.
Expand trade of agricultural products by improving handling and sanitary controls, reducing unnecessary layers in the value chain, promoting extension services, and building the capacity of trade associations and government trade promotion bureaus.
Bangladesh produced 69,272 t of farmed black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in 2016-17, but productivity per hectare is one of the lowest in the region. Most of the industry (247,000 ha) consists of extensive farms producing less than 300 kg/ha.yr in shallow coastal ponds called ghers. 800,000 farmers are involved in this sector, practising only low level technologies, and dependent on seed produced from wild caught broodstock, which often carries diseases such as White Spot Syndrome Virus, WSSV. Increasing the productivity of this sector is the main activity of the SAFETI project. During the 2018 production season, SAFETI worked with a first group of 9500 farmers to introduce upgraded production technologies, including use of High Health seed from SPF broodstock or PCR screened seed from selected wild broodstock, deepening of ponds, better water and feed management and increased biosecurity. While many of the farms chosen as demonstration units saw substantial increases in production, some farmers suffered partial or total losses of their stock to WSSV or AHPND.
There are also about 200 Bangladesh farms totalling 1000 ha using aerated systems and producing 3-8 t/ha.yr. They generally stock with seed bought from one of two hatcheries working with SPF broodstock, or as supplies are insufficient, with PCR screened seed from selected wild broodstock and grown in one mother-one tank systems. A number of agencies, including two international feed companies are active in promoting Good Management Practice (GMP) in these farms but while some have improved their infrastructure (for instance installing “shrimp toilets”) and carry out scrupulous pond preparation and water management, many are inclined to cut corners and face production failures. In the 2018 season most of these aerated farms lost their first crop, reportedly to WSSV or AHPND - though only some carried out confirmatory diagnostic work. Generally they did better with their second crop.
Duration and timing
A ten day mission with 7 days spent in Bangladesh, during the period November-December 2018, start date to be agreed.
Reporting and Communication
The consultant will work under the direction of Dr. John A. Dorr, Chief of Party, SAFETI Project, Winrock International and coordinate with key project staff.
Deliverables
- Two seminars (Khulna, and Dhaka) with farm owners and technicians, public and private stakeholders
- Activities Report, within 30 days of completion of the consultancy
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.
