Illustrative image (Photo source: en.tempo.co)

Jakarta - The Indonesian government has set a target to produce 2 million tonnes of shrimp annually starting in 2024 to meet the consumption demand in the context that the country's population is projected to reach 318.9 million by 2045.

Addressing a workshop on April 8, Director General of Aquaculture of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) TB Haeru Rahayu said an increase in population and an increase in food demand will increase demand for fish, this is why the country is required to increase shrimp production.

Haeru expressed optimism about the ability to achieve the above-mentioned production target in the near future, affirming that the domestic shrimp farming industry can meet the expected demand in the future by expanding the farming area to 2.9 million ha.

However, the official does not deny that there are a number of weaknesses in realising the shrimp production goal, including the lack of quality broodstock and seeds, high production costs and the lengthy and decentralised licensing process.