This presentation is mainly focused on the two major challenges faced by the Indian shrimp aquaculture industry today. Issues in successful production of shrimp and the current problems in marketing the frozen shrimps from India are the key challenges as on today. India emerged as the second largest shrimp producer in the world in the year 2017 with the production of 700,000 MT. However, the year 2018 witnessed an estimated drop of 20% in production due to major diseases like WSSV, WFD, EHP, RMS etc. Large scale expansion of Shrimp farming areas and medium level intensification resulted in the drastic increase in the production of shrimp between the year 2015 and 2017. However, the reduction in productivity has become a major concern in the year 2018. Holistic approach is required in this regard covering the improved genetic and disease resistant lines of Broodstock , production of quality and robust PL, usage of balanced diets and feed management, adoption of good management practices etc.
The recent requirements by the importing markets like EU, USA etc., demanded more testing of the produce meant for exports. This has resulted in the huge drop of shrimp exports from India to EU and made USA as the largest importer of Indian shrimps. This shift resulted in the drop-in farm gate price and added more pressure and panic among the Indian shrimp farming community. It is imperative for the Indian shrimp producers to assure the quality of the cultured shrimp considering the Increased awareness among the consumers on food safety issues and with new certification requirements by the importing countries. Domestic marketing becomes mandatory in India considering the glut in supply of shrimps in the export market as well to reduce higher dependence on one or two importing countries. With the increasing growth of middle class in India, shrimp will become more affordable and proper positioning will help us in developing domestic market for shrimps. Now the time has come to develop better ways and means to sustain our production and for successful marketing of Indian shrimps.