SHRIMPS - AGRICULTURE

News: India dismisses allegations of abusive conditions at shrimp farms

 

What's in the news?

       Recently, a human rights organization based in Chicago has accused India of human rights and environmental violations in the shrimp farming sector.

 

India’s Refutation:

       The Indian government and the industrial officials have denied these accusations saying that the products they are exporting are of the highest international standards.

       They have claimed the shrimp commodity chain was certified by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and that it met the global standards which, in turn, nullified the concerns raised by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) report.

 

Regulatory Oversight:

       The Indian shrimp industry is subject to regular monitoring by regulatory agencies, including inspections by the USFDA, European Commission, and the GAC of China, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

 

Shrimp:

       It is the smallest species of decapod crustaceans, belonging to the orders of Caridea and Stenopodidea.

 

Features:

       These are crustaceans found in almost all freshwater and saltwater environments, the world over, and have a delicate flavour that is greatly valued.

       They are beloved in cuisines around the globe.

       They are among the most adaptable species and can be discovered in trophic to temperature water.

       Shrimps perform a perturb function in marine ecosystems since it feeds on planktons and algae, as well as other marine organisms.

       It is in turn consumed by the larger fish, birds and marine animals.

 

Shrimp Farming:

       Shrimp farming is the practice of cultivating shrimp in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or enclosures, typically in marine or freshwater settings.

       This is done through aquaculture methods to produce shrimp for human consumption.

 Shrimp Farming in India:

1. Second Largest Producer:

       India is the second-largest producer of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

 

2. Top Exporter to US:

       India has become one of the world’s top shrimp exporters. Its share in the U.S. market increasing from 21% to 40% in 2022-23.

 

3. Shrimp Dominates Seafood Exports:

       In 2022-23, Out of the $8.09 billion exported seafood, shrimp’s share was $5.6 billion.

 

4. Top Producing State:

       Andhra Pradesh alone account for almost 70% of India’s shrimp output.