A prototype of the planned e-traceability system was launched recently in Khulna by Md. Raisul Alam Mondal, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL).
He said that ensuring good quality of shrimp produced in the coastal region of Bangladesh is of vital importance for the future export growth of shrimp, particularly, Bagda shrimp produced in the south-eastern and south-western part of Bangladesh.
The Government of Bangladesh has, therefore, identified introduction of a dependable e-traceability system for the shrimp sector in Bangladesh as an important priority so that the origin of the shrimp produced in Bangladesh can be traced from the grassroots production level up to the buyers. Such a traceability system focused on each point of the shrimp value chain including hatcheries, ponds, collection centers and processing plant will enable to ensure product safety and detection of any problems at any point of the value chain compromising the quality of the products. A hands-on demonstration of the pilot being developed was given by the BSFF e-traceability team led Shourav Islam.
Launching of the e-Traceability system in the Shrimp sector of Bangladesh
The technical details, procedures and IT application have been developed by BSFF in collaboration with DOF for the purpose and the pilot launched involving selected local semi-intensive shrimp farms in Khulna, Fahim Aqua Farm Ltd., Desh Bangla Hatchery Ltd. and Fahim Seafood Processing and Farming Ltd. is the first field level trial of the e-traceability arrangements being developed.
The chief guest and other participants present on the occasion were informed that if Bangladesh succeeds in introducing and scaling up of the e-traceability system, the consumers’ acceptance of Bangladesh shrimp export will improve and Bangladesh will be able to brand its products more effectively internationally and fetch higher per unit value for the shrimp exported.
A successful introduction of the e-traceability system will also improve quality of products in the domestic market and help ensure food safety. The chief guest and other participants in the launching ceremony were apprised of the operational modalities of the e-traceability system being developed for Bangladesh and the technical and other professional requirements that will have to be upgraded to ensure the success of the system.
The pilot e-traceability launching ceremony was addressed, among others, by Mr. Md. Goljar Hossain, Director General, Department of Fisheries, Syed Mahmudul Huq, Chairman, BSFF, Dr. Mahmudul Karim, Founder Executive Director, BSFF and Ambassador Shafi U Ahmed, Adviser and Director, BSFF, Mr. Moin Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director, MKA Hatchery Ltd. and Mr. AK Hasan Panna, Managing Director, Fahim Seafood Limited.
