Raising giant freshwater prawns in large nets or krachang, on riverbanks could be a lucrative occupation for residents of Khura Buri district in Phangnga, one of the southern provinces still struggling to recover from the 2004 tsunami.


Seven farmers are currently taking part in a pilot project, initiated by the Chai Pattana Foundation with financial support from SCB Asset Management Co.


Adisorn Sermchaiwong, the president of SCBAM, said his company was providing one million baht for the venture along with management assistance to help farmers reduce their business risk.


He said the farmers began raising the freshwater prawns _ sometimes known as "river lobsters" _ this month. They are expected to grow to a commercial weight of 700 grammes within seven months.


The knowledge gained from the venture would be passed along to more farmers in the future, he said.


The prawns are seen as having great market potential, especially in hotels and restaurants in tourism destinations including Phangnga and Phuket, according to Duangjai Nualprakho, a farmer who lost his property to the 2004 tsunami.


Mr Duangjai said he joined the project as he had some experience raising giant prawns in krachang before the tsunami.

Bangkok Post