1.28 million kg brackish water shrimp farmed in 2024

– cut rose project rakes in $7M

A whopping 1.28 million kilograms (Kg) of brackish water shrimp were produced for 2024 marking a new record for Agriculture Ministry.
This was according to subject Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during his recent end-of-year press conference last week. According to Mustapha, these achievements stem from the transformation of the aquaculture industry, as brackish water shrimp production has been steadily increasing each year since 2020.
“We were able to increase production of brackish water shrimp from 92,782 Kg in 2021 to 1.28 million kg in 2024. In 2021, we started with 92,782 kg, in 2022 we increased it to 548,920 kg, in 2023 to 957,945 kg, and this year, we reached 1.28 million kg. This is a significant increase,” Minister Mustapha stated.
He went on to proudly emphasise the revitalisation of this long-standing industry.
“This is an old industry—over 100 years people have been involved in these activities. Our Government has worked to revitalise it,” he noted.
The Minister reiterated that the progress in brackish water shrimp production is a result of the transformation within the aquaculture sector.

“We have seen massive transformation in the aquaculture industry, especially in the brackish water shrimp sector. Last year, this industry contributed $1.8 billion to the rural economy, particularly in places like Region Six this activity started in Region Six, and now other areas, like Regions Two and Five, are demanding it. We will expand this programme to these regions.”
He also highlighted efforts made to enhance the livelihoods of those depending on the industry.
“In 2021, the President initiated a meeting to discuss how we could enhance the lives of the people who depend on this industry. At that time, they were producing just 10 kg monthly. The Agriculture Ministry stepped in, improved their ponds, and implemented a programme targeting several ponds in Region Six. To date, we have completed approximately 1,400 acres, or 170 ponds, in various areas of Region Six,” the Minister explained.

Cut Rose Project
Meanwhile, another astonishing achievement for the Agriculture Ministry in 2024 was the success of the Cut Rose Project, which recorded a revenue of $7 million.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s ‘Cut Rose’ Project, which was conceptualised to create employment for single parents, makes significant progress and has earned over $4 million for the first half of 2023.
“Not so long ago, we started the Cut Rose Flower Project, and to date, we have generated over $7 million in revenue. We have produced a total of 35,230 roses so far,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He also mentioned that the project has benefitted many single parents.
“This project has positively impacted many single parents, particularly female single parents, who are benefiting from this programme,” he added.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) sold these roses at reduced prices, allowing participants to sell them at significantly higher rates, creating substantial profits.
“NAREI sold these roses at a minimum of $200 to $300 per rose, and they are being resold at approximately $1,500 per rose. This is helping single parents become more independent,” the Minister added. He further highlighted the project’s broader impact.
“Additionally, through farmers’ education and support programmes, we have distributed several inputs to enhance the success of these initiatives,” he concluded.