Prawn seed distribution started at Upakul Hatchery

Prawn seed distribution has been started for the current production season from Upakul and Southeast Fresh Water Prawn hatchery, private sector partners of Danida supported Greater Noakhali Aquaculture Extension Project (GNAEP). Due to the effective research of GNAEP, commercial production of prawn seed has taken place this year earlier compare to previous year. Production capacity of both hatcheries has been increased. Formal distribution from Upakul and Southeast hatchery started on 9th and 17th April 2006 respectively. The Honorable parliament member of Noakhali Sadar, Mr. Md. Shajahan, inaugurated the distribution handing over prawn seeds to 75 prawn farmers. GNAEP's Extension and Training Advisor, Dr. Harvey Demaine, Project Director Mr. Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Upakul hatchery Mr. Sirazul Islam and senior officials of GNAEP were present at the distribution ceremony. It can be mentioned here that considering the farmers' demand planned production for 2006 is one crore, fifty lakh post larvae.  To meet the farmers' demand the two hatcheries will supply 2 lakh seed daily until July of this year. While inaugurating, the distribution the guests expressed their view that the supplied seed will be very helpful for increasing prawn production as well as improving livelihoods of the poor households of this region.

Danida Felloship Award

During the period October 31, 2005 to February 3, 2006, the Private Sector Development Coordinator (PSDC) GNAEP, Din Mohammad Mohsin, attended in a Danida fellowship-training course on Farmer Managed Advisory Service. The course was held at the Nordic Agricultural College in Odency, Denmark. Danish International Development Agency (Danida) organized the course for the personnel involved in agricultural project implementation of developing countries. A total of 19 agricultural officers from 6 countries participated in the course. The purpose of the course was to facilitate participants to learn about Organic Farming System, marketing of agricultural products through cooperatives and planning and implementation of privatized agricultural support services with charge. During the course facilitators provided participants with the opportunity to find out the learning applicable for their personal work place. In this connection Mohsin prepared and presented an assignment on “Developing a potential prawn marketing system in GNAEP’s working area”.