© Hendrix
Beginning early 2023, Indian shrimp hatcheries will be able to source locally-raised, high-quality, specific pathogen free (SPF) broodstock. This is a next step in the strategy of Hendrix Genetics to establish grow-out facilities closer to its customers, making its product more accessible for all hatcheries and farmers, and of which Kona Bay Indonesia has been the successful first step in 2020.
Hendrix Genetics’ shrimp breeding activities are well-known under the name of Kona Bay. Regular batches from the Kona Bay strategic nucleus in Hawaii will supply the Indian facility with the best quality production post larvae (PPL), which in its broodstock multiplication centre will be grown to mature broodstock size under local conditions. This will overcome the hurdle of importing broodstock for hatcheries in India and will ensure year-round availability of genetically enhanced broodstock.
The newly constructed BMC will be based at a SPF facility in Kotapalem Village, Ranastalam Mandal, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. The facility will be modular, to accommodate increased local demand for Kona Bay broodstock. The first modules with a capacity of producing over 100,000 SPF Vannamei broodstock per year is planned to be operational by the end of 2022.
David Danson, director of operations and shrimp of Hendrix Genetics stated, “We are excited to announce this next step in expansion of our global shrimp breeding activities. As a key market for us, we look forward to making high quality, SPF shrimp more accessible. We are staying true to our commitment in providing all our valued customers with the very best broodstock that is customised for the highest performance characteristics needed to support this great industry in India.”
Sri. Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy, managing partner of Sapthagiri Hatcheries stated: “Sapthagiri is the forerunner of adopting new technologies and advancements. We are the backbone of numerous farmers following our years of commitment to ethics and quality for the welfare of farmers. The partnership with Hendrix Genetics is a next step in securing year-round access to high-quality broodstock for all Indian farmers and hatcheries.”
The Kona Bay brand has been one of the main suppliers in the Indian market for shrimp broodstock and boasts approximately 40 percent of the market share. With this new venture, Hendrix Genetics expects to expand its market share and volume, as the industry grows and broodstock is becoming available to all hatcheries, without the hurdles of the importing process.
Kona Bay India is part of the strategic expansion plans of the Aquaculture business unit of Hendrix Genetics. Today, the company has shrimp breeding and production activities in Hawaii, Ecuador, Malaysia and Indonesia.
