‘Testing’ times for shrimp farmers

India is the biggest shrimp exporter in the international scene. However, the prevalence of the EHP pathogen, which leads to stunted growth in shrimps, is likely to lower the yield. Scientists at CIBA, who have been working on this for the past year and a half, say that stringent following of better management practices will help contain this disease. The microsporidian disease causing agent results in stunted growth in the shrimp, resulting in losses for the farmer.

“In aquaculture, the treatment of any disease by any intervention using chemicals is not possible. Only preventive methods will help, which is why have issued an advisory asking shrimp farmers to follow the Best Management Practices (BMP) laid out,” said Dr. Shankar Alavandi, Principal Scientist and Head of Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division, CIBA. This expert has revealed that reports of outbreaks are constantly being reported.

 Dr. Alavandi noted, “According to our estimate, 7-8% of the farms are affected. One of the possibilities could be due to the livefeed used. We advocate pasteurization, which is a part of biosecurity measures, to be followed.” Dr Alavandi also pointed out that shrimp farmers have been asked to stock the pond with disease free seeds. 

“Farmers must carry out tests on the seeds produced in the hatchery. We have set out guidelines, best management practices and biosecurity measures, which have been widely circulated,” he said.

Dr. K K Vijayan, Director, CIBA, said it may arrest the expansion of shrimp market. “EHP is a risk for the farmer. In the last couple of years, India has a good Locus standi in the shrimp market. If we don’t contain the EHP outbreak, we will not progress further. There is a lot of land available for agriculture and only 14-15% of it is being used. If the disease persists, farmers will hesitate, resulting in lesser expansion in the future. However, if they follow the guidelines, it is good for them and the industry,” he concluded.