Concerns over disease outbreaks in shrimp farming, particularly White Spot Disease, have significant implications for India’s aquaculture economy. A recent response in the Rajya Sabha outlines the government’s assessment of the situation in Andhra Pradesh and the policy architecture in place to prevent losses, manage risks, and ensure sustainability in shrimp aquaculture.
What the Government Informed Parliament
The Department of Fisheries has stated that it has not received reports of severe losses faced by shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh due to repeated outbreaks of White Spot Disease. While cases of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) have been detected under surveillance programmes, the government maintains that these have not translated into large-scale economic distress reported to the Centre.
National Surveillance Framework for Aquatic Animal Diseases
To address disease risks systematically, the Department of Fisheries is implementing the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) under the central sector component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). With an outlay of ₹33.78 crore, the programme is executed through the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. Its objective is early detection of disease risks, improved disease management, and maintenance of a healthy aquatic ecosystem across all States and Union Territories.
Role of Technology and Field-Level Monitoring
As part of NSPAAD, an Android-based mobile application called “Report Fish Disease” has been launched. The app connects fish farmers, field officers, and fish health experts on a single platform, enabling quicker reporting and advisory support. In Andhra Pradesh, field teams collect aquaculture samples fortnightly, which are analysed at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Kakinada. From 1 January 2025 onwards, four samples tested positive for WSSV under passive surveillance, while twenty-three samples were identified as WSSV-positive under active surveillance.
Insurance Support for Aquaculture Farmers
To cushion farmers against crop losses, aquaculture crop insurance has been integrated under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a component of PMMSY. The scheme is applicable across all States, including Andhra Pradesh. As per state inputs, 85 aquafarmers are currently covered. In 2025, claims worth ₹5.21 lakh were disbursed to 10 farmers, with 12 additional claims approved. The Centre has clarified that there is no proposal at present to introduce state-specific risk parameters or premium structures for Andhra Pradesh.
Biosecurity Measures Against White Spot Disease
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) has issued detailed guidelines to prevent and control WSSV. These include norms for Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) shrimp broodstock multiplication centres, nucleus breeding centres, hatcheries, and farms. Mandatory quarantine of imported shrimp broodstock and parental post-larvae has been enforced to prevent pathogen entry. Registration of shrimp hatcheries, Nauplii Rearing Centres, and farms with the CAA has also been mandated to strengthen regulatory oversight.
Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
Regular PCR-based disease surveillance of shrimp and water samples is conducted under the national programme to enable early detection and timely response. In parallel, the government is promoting alternative culture systems such as Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS). These systems reduce disease risk, enhance biosecurity, and align aquaculture growth with environmental sustainability.
What to Note for Prelims?
- White Spot Disease is caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).
- NSPAAD is implemented under PMMSY with an outlay of ₹33.78 crore.
- Implementing agency: ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources.
- “Report Fish Disease” is a mobile app for aquatic disease reporting.
- Coastal Aquaculture Authority regulates shrimp aquaculture biosecurity.
What to Note for Mains?
- Importance of disease surveillance in sustaining India’s aquaculture exports.
- Role of insurance schemes in mitigating livelihood risks for fish farmers.
- Challenges in managing aquatic animal diseases in intensive farming systems.
- Relevance of biosecurity and sustainable technologies like BFT and RAS.
