In a significant effort towards the advancement of sustainable shrimp culture, Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan, in conjunction with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) initiative, has ushered in new prospects for Indian White Shrimp (Penaeus indicus) cultivation.
Implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), this collaborative effort has yielded groundbreaking results in the Genetic Improvement Programme of Penaeus indicus.
Under this initiative, cleaned broodstock-bred Penaeus indicus shrimp seeds have been distributed to shrimp farmers, providing them with an opportunity to assess the production potential of this species in their ponds. The on-farm harvest of Indian White Shrimp indicus, conducted on 10-12-23 at Utukuru village, Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, marked a key milestone in this transformative endeavor under the Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan.
The harvest event was graced by the presence of Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. V. Kripa, Member Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Govt. of India; Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA; officials from MPEDA, NaCSA, Department of Fisheries; and 200 shrimp farmers from neighboring villages of Nellore district. The representatives from agencies associated with the shrimp farming sector also participated in witnessing the success of the initiative.
Noteworthy Achievements:
1. Growth Potential: The indicus shrimp exhibited a commendable growth rate, averaging 0.3 grams per day and reaching a size of 20 grams in just 90 days of farming.
2. Cost-Effective Feed: The farming process demonstrated the feasibility of cost-effective feed, enhancing the economic viability of shrimp cultivation.
3. Community Participation: The Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan has successfully engaged with the local shrimp farming community, fostering collaborative efforts for sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices.
The Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan, in synergy with the PMMSY initiative, continues to pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for the Indian shrimp farming sector. This collaborative effort not only supports the economic prosperity of shrimp farmers but also aligns with the broader goal of ensuring the responsible utilization of aquatic resources. The farmer is expecting part of its harvest to export to UAE, through Direct order indicating exportability of this quality shrimp.