Shrimp farms in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh are using modern methods to produce approximately 40,000 tonnes of shrimp annually for exports, fetching them around INR 10,000 crore, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
All the farms are situated in close proximity to the Srikakulam Sea coast, maintaining high bio-secured conditions. The district plays a significant role in India’s shrimp exports to other nations.
The 1,000-acre farms have engaged nearly 600 farmers and approximately 5,000 workers directly.
Secretary in the Department of Fisheries, Abhilaksh Likhi, visited Kalinga Pattinam in Srikakulam district and interacted with the shrimp farmers in order to understand the grassroot level problems faced by the saline water shrimp farmers, the ministry said on Monday.
Shrimp farmers employ a four-step farming approach with bio-floc technology to cultivate larger, high-quality shrimp, each averaging a weight of 20 grams.
This innovative and advanced cultivation system incorporates fully lined ponds within highly bio-secured environments. It integrates sophisticated technologies such as automatic feeders, central drainage/sludge removal, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring of water parameters. These features aim to effectively manage high-density intensive farming systems, enhancing productivity within a reduced cultivation area and accommodating higher stocking densities.
Srikakulam is one of the top shrimp producing districts in India. It has been able to consistently maintain the best shrimp quality as the entire culture zone has been developed in the elevated area as compared to other areas.