India grants permission for Litopenaeus Vannamei shrimp cultivation

The India Union agriculture ministry has granted permission to cultivate the Litopenaeus Vannamei species of shrimp in the country, abiding the wishes of the aquaculture and seafood export industry.

According to the notification by the Department of Animal Husbandry, permission for importing broodstock of Vannamei would be granted by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) keeping the annual requirements in mind.

CAA, in consultation with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) and Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), would shortlist the overseas suppliers based on the genetic base and disease status to be permitted for the import of broodstock.

Chennai will be the designated port of entry for the imported broodstock, according to the guidelines. There will be an inspection of the consignment by the Animal Quarantine Officer before it is despatched to the quarantine facility.

The department has also given a direction to constitute monitoring committees at various levels to inspect the farms in which the imported shrimp would be cultivated.