December 6, 2008

Cyclone damage wounds India's shrimp sector

The recent cyclone has wounded India's shrimp sector, with estimated losses at Rs150 crore, according to a press release from the Prawn Farmers Federation of India.

Over 1,000 hectares of shrimp farms were destroyed and more than 10,000 farmers were affected when the cyclone hits the southern coast of Tamil Nadu last week.

Over 100cm of rain was recorded on the day in Nagapattinam district, and the cyclone destroyed the farm bunds, resulting in a loss of over 1,500 tonnes of shrimp stock.

Farm machinery including aerators, pumps, cables, distribution panel boards and water intake systems were completely destroyed, the release said.

The cyclone damage has aggravated losses suffered by farmers who were hit by the sharp drop in prices due to the slowing international market.

The Tamil Nadu Coastal Aqua Farmers Federation is working with the district level associations for a detailed study of the damage. Shrimp farmers are also seeking the government's support to compensate losses.