Shrimp farming is gaining popularity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as few farmers have started venturing into this remunerative business in South Andaman.

In 2023, P. Aqueel Anaz and Syed Anaz Ahmed, two educated youths, began their shrimp aquaculture venture in Brindaban, South Andaman. They began their venture in the Andaman Islands after gaining hands-on experience in shrimp farms from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. However, their initial shrimp culture failed due to mass mortality of stocked seeds, resulting in a loss of around Rs. 3 Lakhs. Despite this, they remain committed to aquapreneurship and plan to give a second try to the shrimp aquaculture with the support of professionals in the field. The duo contacted the scientists from the Division of Fisheries Science of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, officials from ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman, and the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration for technical support.

Scientists from ICAR-CIARI's Division of Fisheries Science provided technical support for improved shrimp culture management practices, diseases, health, feeding, and water quality. Shri. Anaz and Shri. Ahmed also participated in the capacity building programme conducted by ICAR-CIARI on various aspects of aquaculture and better management practices including fish and shellfish diseases and their health management. ICAR-CIARI scientists have started using the mobile application "Report Fish Disease" developed under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project to learn about fish and shrimp diseases, manage them, and report them in real time.

The Aquapreneurs successfully harvested 3.2 tonnes of shrimp by stocking 1.5 Lakhs post larvae with technical support from ICAR-CIARI Scientists. The production was achieved from two shrimp ponds comprising a 6000 m2 area in a single crop spanning four months. The single crop's revenue of Rs. 14.61 Lakhs and net profit of Rs. 5 Lakhs increased their confidence to expand further.

The Aquapreneurs aim to expand the shrimp culture from 6000 m2 to 10,000 m2 and establish four Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems of 100 m3 each. The shrimp aquaculture sector is expected to be significantly transformed by improved management practices, thereby increasing productivity in Island aquaculture. During the Kisan Mela of ICAR-CIARI from March 20th to 21st, 2024, the youths were awarded for their outstanding work as young entrepreneurs.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair)