Crab farming, new means of livelihood

The demand for crabs in the international market has increased significantly over the past few decades. In view of the huge demand for crabs, the business of crab farming is growing rapidly in the coastal states of the country. In states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, farmers are preparing crabs weighing 1 to 2 kg. According to scientists, crabs weighing 1 kg or more are ready in 8 months if the crabs are taken care of properly. Which is also being sold in the market at good prices.

However, the battle for supremacy among the crabs for the hard upper shell continues. Due to which up to 50 percent of crabs with weak shells die. The battle for the supremacy of crabs has been a cause of trouble for scientists. Scientists are working on changing the method of crab farming to reduce the number of crabs that die in the fight for supremacy. Scientists believe that crabs can be successfully reared with the 'rock method'. However, even after 50 per cent of the crabs die, the farmers do not face any loss due to the price they get for the big crabs.

Talking about the species of crabs, both large species and small species are followed in our country. Larger species of crabs are known as 'green mud crabs' and smaller species of crabs are known as 'red claws'. The size of large species of crabs is about 22 cm and weight is about 2 kg. At the same time, the size of small species of crabs is about 12.7 cm and weight is about 1.2 kg. There is a demand for both species of crabs in the national and international market. Talking about the prices, the hard crabs cost 3-4 times more than the soft-bodied crabs.

We hope this information will prove to be important for you. In our upcoming post, we will share detailed information on the method of crab farming. If you liked this information, then like this post and also share it with other farmers. So that this information can reach more and more farmers. Ask us your questions related to this through comments. Stay connected with the countryside for other interesting and important information related to animal husbandry and agriculture.