Aquaculture scientists in India have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully decoding the genome of an indigenous white shrimp variety called P. indicus. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce the country’s reliance on imported Pacific white shrimp and promote the use of indigenous species, benefiting the shrimp industry and farmers.
Reducing Dependence on Imported Shrimp:
Currently, India heavily relies on imported Pacific white shrimp, specifically the Vannamei variety, for its shrimp farming industry. The genetic decoding of the indigenous white shrimp variety, P. indicus, aims to diversify and reduce the country’s dependence on a single species. By promoting the use of indigenous species, India can enhance the resilience and sustainability of its shrimp industry.
Boosting the Shrimp Industry and Exports:
India’s seafood exports are a significant contributor to the country’s economy, estimated at Rs 42,000 crore. However, the industry relies on the genetically improved imported Pacific white shrimp for its exports. The breakthrough in decoding the genome of P. indicus presents an opportunity to genetically enhance indigenous shrimp species, thereby diversifying export options and strengthening the competitiveness of India’s shrimp industry in the global market.
Government Support and Funding:
The Indian government has recognized the potential of genetic improvement in aquaculture and has allocated funds for this purpose. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Rs 25.04 crore has been allocated in the first phase to identify an Indian shrimp variety that can be genetically improved. A total of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the project, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the development of the aquaculture sector.
The Potential of P. indicus:
The decoding of the genome of P. indicus opens up possibilities for its genetic improvement and cultivation. Even prior to domestication, P. indicus has shown promise as a potential species, with production ranging from 3 to 7 tons per hectare per crop at moderate stocking density. This indigenous variety has the potential to contribute significantly to the aquaculture sector in terms of productivity and profitability for farmers.
Genetic Improvement for Increased Productivity:
The genetic improvement program for P. indicus has the potential to achieve a genetic gain of 4-7% per generation. This means that with each generation, there will be a significant improvement in productivity, feed conversion efficiency, and overall profitability for shrimp farmers. The genetic enhancement of indigenous shrimp species through selective breeding can lead to a doubling of productivity and significant economic gains for the aquaculture industry.
Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture:
The genetic improvement of indigenous shrimp species aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. By reducing dependence on imported species, India can enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of introducing non-native species into local ecosystems. The cultivation of indigenous species also supports the preservation of genetic diversity and ensures the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector.
