Since peaking at 930,000 metric tons in 2021, India’s shrimp production has stagnated in recent years as prices have decreased. Annual production is currently estimated at around 850,000 metric tons.

Andhra Pradesh state accounts for 75-85 percent of India’s shrimp production. The other main producing states are Odisha, West Bengal and Gujarat.

L. vannamei accounts for around 95 percent of India’s shrimp production, although the proportion of P. monodon is growing.

Though estimates vary, more than 95 percent of Indian farmed shrimp is exported. Shrimp exports are an important source of foreign exchange, generating around $5 billion in annual revenue.

India has approximately 100,000 shrimp farms, most of which are smaller than 2 hectares and have stocking densities averaging 20-40 post-larvae per square meter.

India has around 450 hatcheries owned by approximately 350 groups. The most prominent players are Sapthagiri Group, Vaisakhi Bios, CP Group, BMR Group and Golden Marine. Larger processors Apex Frozen Foods and Sandhya Aqua have recently invested in the hatchery sector.

India has around 350 processing/exporting plants owned by approximately 250 companies. The largest players are Devi Fisheries, Devi Sea Foods, Sandhya Aqua, Kader Exports and Nekkanti Sea Foods.

Traditionally an exporter of raw frozen products, India has come under growing pressure in these markets from emerging suppliers. Ecuador in particular has challenged India in its largest export market, the United States; as a result, many Indian exporters are producing more value-added products, such as breaded shrimp.

India is also seeking to diversify into new export markets. China is currently India’s second-largest export market, after the United States. In its third-largest market, the European Union, Indian suppliers are confronted by stringent antibiotic testing requirements. Other potential growth markets for Indian shrimp include Canada, Japan, Russia, and the UK.

GUEST COMMENTARY: India's shrimp industry and the challenges ahead