VIJAYAWADA: The shrimp farming industry in Andhra Pradesh, which contributes over 73% of India’s shrimp production, is facing a serious threat from Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite.
EHP, described as a silent profit killer, has caused massive economic losses, estimated at ₹4,000 crores annually, impacting the livelihoods of shrimp farmers across the state.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) reports that Indian shrimp farms are highly susceptible to EHP infections, with the probability of disease occurrence as high as 49%.
This has resulted in the loss of approximately 49,000 metric tonnes of shrimp per year, making it a pressing issue for aquaculture professionals.
The impact of EHP extends beyond farm-level losses, affecting employment and income in both rural and urban areas reliant on the shrimp industry. The severity of these challenges has prompted calls for urgent action to control the spread of this parasite.
Kemin, a shrimp farming solution company, said that one in every two aqua farmers were worstly hit by the EHP as it significantly impacts the count of prawns which results in poor yield.
Grin Swangdacharuk, Global Marketing director of the company addressed a press conference here on Thursday and said that they have developed Paththtol which is nature friendly and yet very effective in managing the EHP parasite in shrimp tanks as it also prevents the secondary complications.
