Broodstock Programs in India Shrimp Hatchery Landscape

Introduction

Hatcheries are essential to India's shrimp business because they provide farmers throughout coastal regions with high-quality post-larvae (PL). The emphasis has switched to Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) broodstock, genetic improvement initiatives, and bio secure hatchery designs as disease risks increase and productivity becomes critical. Shrimp growth uniformity, survival rates, and disease resistance are all significantly influenced by these upstream processes. Investments in hatcheries support both the growth of domestic farming and the maintenance of export-quality control.

Hatcheries are leveraging technological advances such as automatic water quality monitoring, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and a more controlled breeding system to enhance production. Notably, in July 2025, The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) in Chennai launched a new and integrated shrimp farming system under the PMMSY scheme.

Government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are promoting hatchery upgrades, certification programs, and traceability standards, helping to create a more systematic and sustainable hatchery ecosystem. Combined public-private partnerships, as well as partnerships with research institutions, can increase access to quality broodstock and best management practices.

Furthermore, the emergence of satellite hatcheries and mobile larval testing units is improving access to quality seed in remote or underserved coastal zones, reducing regional disparities in productivity. As international buyers demand traceability and residue-free products, India’s hatchery segment is becoming the frontline for ensuring compliance with global standards.

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Broodstock Programs Are the Foundation of India’s Shrimp Supply Chain

India currently imports most of its SPF Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) broodstock, mainly from Hawaii and Thailand. These imports are subject to strict quarantine under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) before being distributed to certified hatcheries. However, local production initiatives are gaining momentum, such as Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) has been pioneering indigenous SPF broodstock for long-term self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, hatcheries are deploying closed recirculating systems, UV sterilization, and live feed optimization to improve larval survival. Disease monitoring protocols, especially for WSSV, EHP, and AHPND, are now mandatory across certified hatcheries. Digital farm-hatchery traceability tools are also emerging, enhancing biosecurity from seed to harvest.

This focus on upstream genetics and seed quality is critical to building a resilient and export-ready shrimp ecosystem. In addition to SPF broodstock and advanced larval rearing techniques, hatcheries are increasingly integrating IoT-enabled sensors and automated monitoring systems to track parameters like temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH in real-time. These systems not only reduce human error but also enable predictive health management and faster response to environmental fluctuations.

Training programs led by ICAR-CIBA, RGCA, and private sector players are equipping hatchery technicians with knowledge on pathogen exclusion, broodstock conditioning, and genetic performance tracking. As India expands its aquaculture footprint, these upstream investments are not just boosting productivity but are laying the groundwork for long-term bio secure farming models, capable of meeting global demand while protecting local ecosystems.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Shrimp Hatchery Operations in India
2. Broodstock Management and Genetic Selection
3. SPF Shrimp Programs and Import Protocols
4. Indigenous Broodstock Development Initiatives
5. Hatchery Biosecurity and Disease Prevention Systems
6. Larval Nutrition and Live Feed Optimization
7. Quarantine Procedures and Health Certifications
8. Regulatory Landscape: CAA, MPEDA, and Guidelines
9. Traceability and Digital Monitoring Tools
10. Outlook for Hatchery Expansion and Domestic Broodstock Self-Reliance

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