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Context:
India has emerged as a global aquaculture powerhouse, ranking third in overall fish production and second in prawn production. With growing domestic and export demand for high-protein, low-fat seafood like prawns, aquaculture is evolving as a vital contributor to India’s food and economic security.
Key Aquaculture Highlights
- Top-producing states: Andhra Pradesh (largest), followed by West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Gujarat
- Major species: Penaeus monodon (black tiger prawn), highly valued in global markets
- Optimal salinity for prawn farming: 10–25 g/l (seawater is 35 g/l)
Innovations in Prawn Farming
- Water sourcing techniques:
- West Bengal: High tide seawater inflow
- Andhra Pradesh: Brackish groundwater mixed with freshwater
- Farm design:
- Typical pond size: 150 x 100 m, 2 m depth
- Innovative model: Smaller ponds promoted by Siva Rama Rudraraju (Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) allow better pathogen control and reduce economic risks during outbreaks
Managing Pathogen Risks in Aquaculture
- Major threats:
- Vibrio harveyi (bacterial pathogen)
- White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
- Annual loss estimate: Up to 25% of expected yield
- Preventive strategies:
- Probiotics: Use of Bacillus strains to outcompete harmful microbes
- Pond security: Plastic nets to stop birds (e.g., crows) from spreading infections
- Lab testing: Rapid identification of infections; prompt pond draining
- Phage therapy: Use of bacteriophages to kill Vibrio bacteria selectively
Research-Led Innovation: Pathogen-Free Broodstock
- Developed by ICAR-CIBA, Chennai
- Juvenile prawns raised in biosecure nurseries
- Certified as Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) — crucial for disease prevention
Impact and Future Outlook
- India’s prawn production is growing at an impressive 17% annual rate
- Growth is fueled by farmer innovation, scientific research, and adaptive practices
- Aquaculture plays a critical role in addressing climate challenges, securing livelihoods, and meeting global nutrition demands
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