Summary

Society of Aquaculture Professionals (SAP) recently concluded a review of shrimp farming in India in 2020. In a series of virtual meetings held among industry stakeholders on January 29- 30, 2021, the unanimous opinion was that farmed shrimp production declined from a record production of nearly 800,000 tonnes in 2019 to about 650,000 tonnes in 2020, a 19% drop. Earlier forecasts in meetings organized by SAP in 2020 were nearly 30%, so the actual decline was less than what was predicted. The present review also highlighted that while the coronavirus pandemic and related lockdown contributed to the decline, continuing production challenges due to a host of disease problems impacted the production quite significantly. Action by the stakeholders and the government is needed to address the challenges for the sustainable growth of the sector in the future. Following are needed if India needs to grow to the targeted production of 1.4 million tonnes by 2024:

Resolve shrimp health issues on a priority basis:

➢ Continue to fund, strengthen and make relevant and accountable the national aquatic animal disease surveillance with an exclusive focus on shrimp
➢ Undertake epidemiological and other studies to understand the extent and underlying cause of white fecal disease, running mortality syndrome and other emerging diseases in shrimp farming and development treatments for the diseases

Increase carrying capacity of the ecosystems that support shrimp production:

➢ Educate farmers about the best aquaculture practices that enhance carrying capacity of their production systems and minimize organic loading of the ecosystem that supplies their water
➢ Dredge the creeks supplying water for the farms and keep the bar mouth open for tidal action that improves water quality along the creeks

Expand and diversify the markets:

➢ Develop or participate in a global program to promote shrimp consumption in the major markets, especially USA, where consumption has remained stagnant while global production of farmed shrimp keeps increasing
➢ Regain markets in Europe, Japan, and other countries
➢ Invest in the Made in India shrimp branding
➢ Develop the domestic market for shrimp in India