The Ministry of Fisheries has set a goal to locally produce 1000 metric tonnes of shrimps in the next 10 years, says Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu.
He made the comments while launching a new shrimp farm at Vunitogoloa Village. The farm is owned by Jale Silimaibau.
“There is a need to substitute the importation of shrimps for the tourism industry,” said Mr Ravu.
“Fiji imports nearly 700 metric tonnes of shrimps that is worth $24 million.
“I would like to encourage the people of Ra to explore into this opportunity provided by the Government through the Caboni hatchery that is right here and producing shrimp to be supplied to locals.
“In the West, the markets are not a problem because it has the highest tourism area and the need for shrimps is high.”
Mr Silimaibau is the first iTaukei to go into shrimp farming business in Fiji.
