The state is all set to dominatemud crabcultivation. With steady rise in demand, Marine Products Exports Development (MPEDA) is focusing on better yield.
According to MPEDA, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishana and Guntur districts have a lot ofbrackish waterponds, suitable for mud crab culture.
MPEDA has supplied over 60 per cent of the total 650 tonnes mud crab seeds toAndhra Pradesh. MPEDA has decided to promote mud crab farming which would not only contribute to a considerable component of coastal but also provide a Source Of Income for fishermen.
Mud crabs are known for their high flesh content and rapid Growth rate in captivity. A fully-grown mud crab weighs over 1,200 gms. Live mud crabs are in demand in global market. Depending on the size (500 gms, 1,000 gms, above 1,000 gms), prices vary from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 per kg.
Mud crabs are much in demand in South East Asian countries where live crabs are highly preferred as delectable seafood.