Scientists at the Chennai-based Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) have completed farming trials on Indian White Shrimp (Penaeus indicus) in all the maritime States in the country, including Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, establishing the species as prime alternative to the exotic vannammei.
A team of scientists led by CIBA Director K.K. Vijayan will share their findings on Indian White Shrimp cultivation with aqua farmers on Thursday (January 11).
The shrimp seed was collected from the Bay of Bengal and other parts of India for the trials which began in 2016 with the support of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
“The results of the trials in a majority of the locations are encouraging to consider it as an alternative species to vannamei, which has been found prone to diseases,” CIBA principal scientist Akshaya Panigrahi told The Hindu over phone.
Mr. Akshaya is the principal investigator of the farming trials project. “The root causes for diseases in vannamei are yet to be fully known. Factors such as farming feasibility, survival and growth rate of the Indian White Shrimp are enabling us to recommend it is an alternative to the Vannamei,” said Mr. Akshaya.
