The shrimp hatchery established in Magura fishery office spending Tk 0.78 million (78 lakh) two years ago is lying inoperative — FE Photo MAGURA, Oct 21: A shrimp hatchery in Magura district fishery office has been lying inoperative for the past two years but government allocation for shrimp production in it continues while profit ratio goes to the government treasury.
District Fishery Office sources said the shrimp hatchery was set up in the office compound at a cost of Tk 78 lakh in 2018.
The hatchery was constructed by Jashore district unit Jubo League organising secretary Anwar Hossen Mustak under a shrimp cultivation extension project.
There was a condition to produce one lakh shrimp post-larvae (PL) every year and deposit Tk one lakh to the government treasury every year after selling the PL to local cultivators.
On the other hand, the government is contributing Tk 80,000 for shrimp production in the hatchery every year.
During a recent visit to the district fishery office, the hatchery was seen lying inoperative.
Electricity supply system, overhead water tank and powerful submersible water pump were not found in the hatchery.
But the office record found the hatchery was operative with production of two lakh PLs in the last two years and income of Tk two lakh from the sale of the PLs.
On the other hand, allocation of Tk80,000 per year for shrimp production in the hatchery is continuing for two years.
On contact, Abdul Mannan, an engineer involved with the project, said there was no allocation for electrification, water tank and submersible pump in the project. If fund is placed next time, he will perform the works.
Farm manager of Magura fishery office Jahangir Alam admitted that the hatchery was lying inoperative.
When asked about shrimp production and depositing profit ratio to the government treasury, he said, "We are getting government allocation of Tk 80,000 per year for the hatchery. Adding Tk 20,000 from self funding to the government allocation we are depositing Tk one lakh to the government treasury every year.
When contacted, Magura district fishery officer Ashikur Rahman said technical support and skilled manpower are required to make the hatchery operative.
Though saline water is required to produce shrimp, it is not available in the district.
"However, if we are provided with technical support and skilled manpower, we shall try to operate the hatchery in the coming year by bringing saline water from Shatkhira district," the fishery officer added.
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