A TOTAL of one tonne or 1,000kg of kerang (shellfish/mollusks) seeds have been sown at 13 strategic locations at the sea off north Seberang Perai (SPU) recently.
State Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said the shellfish farming project is one of its kind being initiated in SPU on July 28.
“We already have the same project done in south Seberang Perai (SPS) and central Seberang Perai (SPT) previously.
“So this time, we choose SPU. However, the locations here cannot be made known publicly as we want to ensure the shellfish can be bred and raised safely.
“Selected fishermen will be chosen to take care of each lot and also to monitor the shellfish growth.
“The objective of the pilot project is to increase the income of the fishing community in the area.
“Each lot is equal to 21 hectares and can generate an income of RM8.4 million per year.
“And we expect to harvest it on the first quarter of next year,” Dr Norlela told Buletin Mutiara after launching the project yesterday (July 29).
According to Dr Norlela, another one tonne of shellfish seeds will be sown at the same location next month.
“Hopefully with this kind of initiative, it will be able to benefit those from the fishing community and the B40 group,” she added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar