Indian seafood exports achieved record-breaking figures in 2022-23, reaching an all-time high in terms of both volume and value. The shrimp industry has faced challenges due to decreased shrimp exports and heavy reliance on a single exotic species. In a significant breakthrough, scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) have successfully decoded the genome of an indigenous shrimp species- P. indicus. This achievement is expected to revolutionize the shrimp industry, let’s see how.
The decoding of the genome of P. indicus is a remarkable achievement. The indigenous shrimp species has shown promising potential with a production capacity of 3-7 tons per hectare at moderate stocking density. Through genetic improvement programs, scientists anticipate a genetic gain of 4-7% per generation, resulting in doubled productivity, improved feed conversion efficiency, and increased profitability for farmers.
The first phase of the project has been allocated Rs 25.04 crore, with a total of Rs 100 crore allocated overall. This initiative aims to benefit the Indian shrimp industry, farmers, and the overall economy.
The shrimp market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with a projected expansion of USD 6,492.94 million at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.01% between 2022-2027. India, one of the largest producers and exporters of farmed shrimp globally, has seen a decline of 40% in shrimp exports. However, the country’s seafood exports, in terms of both volume and value, reached an all-time high in the financial year 2022-23, shipping 1.7 million tons of seafood worth Rs 63,969.14 crore ($8.09 billion).
Let’s explore the implications of this genetic breakthrough in detail:
The genetic breakthrough in decoding the genome of P. indicus holds immense potential for India’s shrimp industry and export market. By promoting indigenous varieties and reducing dependence on a single species, India aims to enhance self-reliance, productivity, and profitability for farmers. The successful implementation of genetic improvement programs will not only make India a leader in selectively breeding Indian white shrimp but also open new opportunities to supply selectively bred parent stocks worldwide.