Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Prawn culture, or shrimp farming, is a significant component of India’s aquaculture sector, contributing substantially to its economy and export earnings. India is currently the second largest producer of aquaculture shrimp globally, with prawn culture dominating this sector. The industry has witnessed substantial growth since the 1990s, driven by technological advancements and increasing global demand. However, it also faces challenges related to disease outbreaks, environmental sustainability, and market fluctuations. Understanding the status and scope of prawn culture, along with the commercially viable species, is crucial for sustainable development of this sector.
Status of Prawn Culture in India
India’s prawn culture is primarily concentrated in the coastal states, with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal accounting for the majority of production. The industry has evolved from traditional, extensive farming systems to more intensive and semi-intensive methods. According to data up to 2022-23 (knowledge cutoff), India produced approximately 1.2 million metric tonnes of shrimp, with a significant portion being exported to the US, EU, and Japan.
The economic contribution of prawn culture is substantial, generating employment opportunities for millions of people in coastal communities. It also contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector is vulnerable to disease outbreaks like White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), which can cause significant economic losses.
Commercially Viable Freshwater Prawns
Freshwater prawn culture in India is less developed compared to brackish water prawn farming, but it holds significant potential. The most important species include:
- Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Giant Freshwater Prawn): This is the most widely cultivated freshwater prawn species globally, known for its large size and fast growth rate. It is cultivated in ponds and tanks.
- Macrobrachium gangeticus: Found in the Ganges river system, this species is gaining attention for its potential in freshwater prawn farming.
- Macrobrachium lanchesteri: Native to Southeast Asia, it is also cultivated in some parts of India.
Commercially Viable Brackish Water Prawns
Brackish water prawn culture dominates India’s prawn farming industry. The key species are:
- Penaeus monodon (Black Tiger Shrimp): This is the most dominant species cultivated in India, accounting for over 90% of the total prawn production. It is known for its robust growth and tolerance to varying salinity levels.
- Penaeus vannamei (Whiteleg Shrimp): Introduced to India in the early 2000s, P. vannamei has rapidly gained popularity due to its faster growth rate, higher stocking density, and lower susceptibility to certain diseases compared to P. monodon. It now accounts for a significant and growing share of India’s prawn production.
- Penaeus indicus: A native species, it is less commonly cultivated but has potential for sustainable farming.
Comparison of Freshwater and Brackish Water Prawns
| Feature | Freshwater Prawns | Brackish Water Prawns |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant Species | Macrobrachium rosenbergii | Penaeus monodon, Penaeus vannamei |
| Salinity Requirement | 0-5 ppt | 10-35 ppt |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast (especially P. vannamei) |
| Production Volume | Relatively low | High |
| Disease Susceptibility | Generally lower | Higher (WSSV, EMS) |
Challenges and Future Scope
The prawn culture industry faces several challenges, including disease outbreaks, water quality issues, feed costs, and environmental concerns related to mangrove destruction and effluent discharge. The future scope lies in adopting sustainable farming practices, developing disease-resistant strains, improving feed efficiency, and promoting integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. Further research and development are needed to enhance the productivity and sustainability of both freshwater and brackish water prawn farming.
Conclusion
Prawn culture is a vital sector for India’s economy, particularly its coastal regions. While <em>Penaeus monodon</em> and <em>Penaeus vannamei</em> currently dominate the brackish water segment, freshwater prawn culture offers significant untapped potential. Addressing the challenges related to disease management, environmental sustainability, and market access is crucial for ensuring the long-term growth and resilience of this industry. Investing in research, promoting responsible aquaculture practices, and diversifying species cultivation will be key to unlocking the full potential of prawn culture in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.