Qeshm plans aquaculture feed plant, dried-fish export hub
Qeshm Island is planning new fisheries and agricultural projects, including a specialized aquaculture feed plant, its first dried-fish export hub and bell pepper cultivation involving three prospective Russian investors, the head of the Fisheries and Agriculture Department of the Qeshm Free Zone Organization said on Sunday.
Masoud Mormogouei said 38 companies were currently operating across six shrimp farming sites on the island, as the Qeshm Free Zone Organization pursued plans to expand production and support businesses in fisheries and agriculture, IRNA reported.
Mormogouei said five to six companies were also active in shrimp breeding and nursery operations. Their activities include breeding, producing shrimp larvae and providing nursery services.
He added that about six to seven companies were involved in land-based fish farming under the supervision of the organization’s industries and mines department.
New aquaculture projects
The organization is preparing to establish Qeshm’s first specialized aquaculture feed plant after attracting investment for a dedicated production line at Tula Industrial Park, Mormogouei said.
The plant is designed to produce eight tons per work shift and is expected to become operational within two to three months, he added.
The island is also planning to establish its first dried-fish export hub, with efforts underway to prepare the necessary facilities within a month through either Bahman or Kaveh port. The hub would allow both industrial and traditional producers to make use of the island’s port and commercial infrastructure, he said.
Russian investment
In the agricultural sector, Mormogouei said mushroom farming units were operating at Tula Industrial Park and three Russian investors had expressed readiness to invest in bell pepper cultivation on the island.
Preparations are underway to facilitate their entry into the island’s agricultural sites within a month, he said.
Bell peppers, eggplants and other vegetables are cultivated in Minab, with part of the output earmarked for export to Russia. The plan is to use the Russian investors’ involvement to expand bell pepper and other crop production at suitable agricultural sites on Qeshm, he added.