One of the major emphasis is put on the cost of the feed which is now imported. Duty free concession taxes could be reviewed but it seems difficult because of the amplification factor it would generate for other similar products, though shrimp farming is an on-growing activity which should be encouraged the time it reaches its maturity.
The way to save some cents on the cost of shrimp feed logically pass by production through local manufacturers which will save at least on freight, and also running formulation including local ingredients as far as possible.
Limitations could come on the ability for local manufacturers to produce this kind of feed and profit margin they would like to generate. This has to be worked out together with an increasing need for shrimp feed as soon as next year during which some 75 mt would be consumed.
Such quantity should be very tediously met when putting in operation existing equipments from Fresh-water Aquaculture Research Station, Naduruloulou and it could bring in a false economical trend on the farm as this production would be achieved under non-industrial conditions. Provided that additional equipments are purchased, a part of requirements in full for the Prawn (Fiji) Ltd., Ravi Ravi could be produced though it seems highly preferable to keep their facilities for the purpose of testing formulated feed which should be eventually pushed forward for shrimp production.
