Agrata
Pioneering mud crab farming in Southeast Asia
Wild mud crab populations in Southeast Asia, particularly the Scylla serrata species, are under severe threat from overfishing, especially of juvenile crablets. This unsustainable harvesting not only reduces the economic viability of the industry but, as a keystone species, can also cause widespread damage to vital mangrove ecosystems. Limited hatchery production and the scarcity of high-quality crab seed further constrain the potential for sustainable crab farming.
THE COMPANY
Agrata, headquartered in Singapore with operations in Bintan, Indonesia, is pioneering sustainable mud crab aquaculture through a vertically integrated value chain. The company has developed the world's first recirculatung aqualuture system hatchery for Scylla serrata, producing 100,000-150,000 crablets per month, with the potential to scale up to 500,000. Agrata partners with local smallholder farmers, providing crablets, inputs, and standard operating procedures to ensure optimal growth while protecting surrounding mangrove habitats. In return, Agrata purchases, processes, and markets the fully grown crabs to premium buyers in Asia and, eventually, Europe.
THE IMPACT
By 2029, the partnership between CI Ventures and Agrata is projected to:
- Reduce destructive wild crab harvesting practices in Indonesian markets.
- Protect critical mangrove ecosystems while boosting local biodiversity.
- Create sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through smallholder farming programs.
- Establish a new global benchmark for sustainable mud crab production via certification standards.