Sri Lanka Modernizes Shrimp Sector via FAO & South Korea Partnership 📈

Sri Lanka has concluded a four-year initiative to transform its shrimp aquaculture industry through digital innovation and enhanced biosecurity, supported by the FAO and the Republic of Korea. Key Digital & Infrastructure Milestones • National Shrimp Industry Information System (SIIS): A new digital platform integrating IoT-enabled sensors for real-time water quality monitoring and early warning alerts. • Full Mapping: All shrimp farms in the Northwestern Province are now mapped via GIS for targeted disease surveillance and environmental planning. • Equipment Support: Approximately US$ 128,000 worth of diagnostic tools, water quality systems, and IT infrastructure provided to NAQDA. Sector Governance & Biosecurity • National Strategy: Development of the first National Strategy on Aquatic Animal Health and a national pathogen list to improve disease management. • Farm Profiling: Completion of a nationwide survey covering 699 shrimp farms to strengthen the fisheries value chain. • Food Safety: Implementation of a strategic plan to align Sri Lankan shrimp exports with international regulatory standards, aimed at increasing market access. Capacity Building • Training: 450 farmers and 190 government officials trained in digital data management and diagnostics. • Updated Standards: Revised Better Management Practices (BMP) disseminated to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and employment stability in rural coastal regions.