The Republic of Korea through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is investing USD 1.2 million to strengthen shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka. The investment is part of a global project implemented by FAO in Sri Lanka with a total investment of USD 3.9 million.

The project will be implemented over a three-year period to ensure effective biosecurity in shrimp aquaculture through digital technology. Through the project, FAO will build national capacity on various aspects of health management, biosecurity, food safety, analysis of biosecurity systems and establish robust, disease early warning and monitoring systems that will support the sustainable development of the shrimp aquaculture sector.

The spread of diseases continues to be a constant constraint to sustainable aquaculture development, limiting yield, reducing profit and preventing investment. Improving the biosecurity of the aquaculture sector will enable countries to grow more food efficiently, increase incomes, improve resilience, and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of higher food prices and other threats to national food security.

Speaking at the inception of the project, the Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santhush Woonjin Jeong stated “Sri Lanka is rich in human and natural resources. This project is a great collaboration of the resources of Sri Lanka and Korea that will help realise the potential of this beautiful country and achieve our common goals.”

The Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Douglus Devananda emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the support extended. “Similar to other countries this industry faces many issues with diseases being the main challenge. I’m extremely grateful to the Republic of Korea and FAO for providing financial and technical support to strengthen the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka.”

FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr Vimlendra Sharan stated “As consumers have become more environmentally conscious, the standards of the aquaculture industry has been shifting towards producing “smart”, “green” and sustainable food products. Unfortunately, most aquaculture systems are not yet fully sustainable. Investment in innovation and technology is vital to transforming the sector. Through this project, FAO will work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and all stakeholders to introduce sustainable new approaches to strengthen the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka.”

Photo - Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santhush Woonjin Jeong addressing the gathering

Dignitaries and stakeholders of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector at the event