AQUACULTURE IN AP- SITUATION ANALYSIS

Aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh- Situation Analysis

Andhra Pradesh with 974 Km long coast line is second longest , next to Gujarat (1600 Kms) always playing vital role in shrimp & fresh water fish cultivation and exports. It ranks first in the country in coastal & freshwater aquaculture with nearly 40% of marine exports from the country. Certainly this a welcome situation for the state and state could achieve this due to aggressive business acumen of coastal AP farmers.

Off late the issues related to quality, less realization, unhealthy practices are being reported. It is very important at this stage to focus on consolidation, value addition rather than just focusing on vertical growth. Interactions with industry experts and field visits reveal the following important shortfalls in AP shrimp culture.

1. Quality of seed: Out of total 550 shrimp hatcheries in the country about 400 are located in AP, out of which around 50% are unregistered ( GOI made registration with Coastal Aquaculture Authority(CAA) mandatory). Only 20% of AP hatcheries are reported to be buying genuine brood stock from specified pathogen free sources from certified overseas suppliers (CAA approved suppliers are only in USA & genuine brood stock will cost about $ 70/piece as against local pond species @ Rs.200/Pc) and balancing hatcheries are using pond species. Few hatcheries located in inland are using salt & brine to produce seed at cheaper cost. These inferior seed supplies are instrumental for spread of virus, inconsistent quality and count resulting in huge losses particularly to small farmers.

2. Unregistered farms: It is reported that atleast about 60% of shrimp farms in AP are not registered with CAA & their water supply & drainage systems do not have biosecurity and they invariably infect nearby approved farms with proper systems in place. Biosecurity mean crab fencing around the farm, bird fencing ropes, provision of foot dip & hand wash with disinfectants, washing of nets with disinfectants etc.

3. Poor quality water in sub creeks: Most of the water supply creeks & drainage channels are mixed up resulting in poor quality of inlet water. Often one farm drainage water is being pumped into another farm. The farmers shall be educated properly on importance of water quality. Irrigation department has to take up proper survey and redesign separate supply & drainage canals linking to existing systems including Buckingham canal.

Recommendations:

1. Stringent quality control measures from state with proper monitoring system from field to concerned ministry.

Mandatory registration with CAA & State interface with CAA for effective regulation.

2. Farmer associations based on village/common water source and collective action in mutual interest.

3.Exposure visits to TN/Kerala/ Karnataka farms where the hatchery/ cultivation/ practices are much better and CAA registration, certifications are being followed.

BG Reddy- 9866889246

grbonthu@gmail.com

Spl. Thanks to: Sri. Kulasekaran, Chennai & few farmers from Nellore , Godavari Dists for sharing valuable inputs.