Berhampur,(YNS): A delegation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) visited Ganjam district to assess aquaculture practices and expressed satisfaction with the standards maintained in shrimp seed hatchery operations and brackish water aquaculture in the district.
The team commenced its visit at the OCEANID Shrimp Seed Hatchery at Gopalpur. The inspection was conducted in the presence of officials from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha, and members of the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC).
During the visit, the USFDA delegation examined records related to feed management, seed production and sales, and other operational documents. The team also inspected different units of the hatchery and gathered first-hand information on the sea-water intake system, UV and ozone filtration process, laboratory culture procedures, and treatment protocols. Detailed discussions were held with CAA representatives and Central and State Government officials regarding regulatory compliance, biosecurity measures, and quality assurance standards.
On the following day, the delegation visited a CAA and MPEDA-registered brackish water shrimp farm owned by Priyatosh Pradhan, spread over two hectares of land. The team reviewed records relating to seed procurement, input purchases, and farm registers. They interacted with the farm owner and officials to understand the procedures followed for sampling, export compliance, and traceability systems.
The USFDA team also met members of the SDLC to review its role in scrutinizing and recommending proposals for brackish water aquaculture to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
Expressing satisfaction over the systematic growth, transparency, and adherence to regulatory norms, the delegation appreciated the progress achieved in brackish water aquaculture in Ganjam district. Officials stated that a favourable report to the Government of India would strengthen export prospects and further boost the aquaculture sector in the district.
Members of the delegation and officials present during the visit were Lillian Hsu, Zachary Miller, Anthony Rizkalla, Karen Swajan, Pankaja Panda, Dr. Sankar Rao, A. Ramesh and A. Anand Raja. Also present during the visit were the DFO, Ganjam Bharat Bhushan Sahoo, Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur Sibasis Baral, Tahasildar, Ganjam Sukant Kumar Mishra, ACF, Berhampur; and DAO, Ganjam.
