• The Brackish Water Resources of the State are confined to 7 coastal districts. Out of a total potential area of 38574.88 hectares, 32586.85 hectares have been found suitable for Brackish Water Aquaculture. For proper utilization of this resource, 7 agencies namely Brackish Water Fishery Development Agencies have been established in all seven coastal districts.
  
• By the end of 2002-03, the Aquaculture Authority of India have approved 908 proposals comprising an area of 2398.10 hectares for development of shrimp farming. Against the target to develop 200.00 hectares water area for Brackish Water Aquaculture during 2002-03, the achievement is 245.96 hectares.

(SAMPLING OF SHRIMP FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC)

During 2002-03, 232 beneficiaries have been imparted training in shrimp culture. The shrimp production during 2002-03 is 7171.00 M.T. against the target of 7000 M.T. The BFDAs have also collected Rs. 1.22 lakhs from the beneficiaries as user charges, which is to be utilized for improvement of Brackish Water Aquaculture in various ways.

• The Chandrabhaga Shrimp Hatchery has produced 51.43 lakhs shrimp seeds against a target of 50 lakhs during 2002-03.
  
• The Department have set up a State Level PCR Laboratory at Chandrabhaga for diagnosing shrimp/ fish diseases specifically occurrence of white spot disease in shrimp. This laboratory will provide testing facility to common shrimp farmers on payment of user-charges.

(P.C.R. LABORATORY AT CHANDRABHAGA)

• In collaboration with NABARD and MPEDA, initiative has been taken to set up Fresh Water Prawn Hatcheries in the State both in Government and private sector. The existing Government hatchery at Paradeep has been upgraded. Two Fresh Water Prawn Hatcheries have been established in private sector at Kapagadia in Bhadrak District and Sorana of Khurda District. Both the hatcheries have started their production during 2002-03.

(Freshwater Prawn Hatchery at Sorana)