Shrimp farming in India has grown rapidly over the last few decades, creating income and employment in many coastal states. At the same time, farmers face challenges such as disease outbreaks, water pollution, price fluctuations and changing weather patterns. By following the Top 10 Shrimp Farming Practices for Higher Yields in India, farmers can protect their ponds, reduce losses and improve profits in a sustainable way. This article explains practical steps in simple language so that beginners and experienced farmers can both benefit and apply the ideas on their own farms. These practices support long term, responsible aquaculture growth.
#1 Optimal site selection and pond design
Choosing the right site and designing the pond properly is the first building block for successful shrimp farming. Farmers should select areas with good quality brackish water, stable salinity and easy access to power, ice plants and roads. Ponds must have strong embankments, separate inlets and outlets, and proper slope so that water drains completely during preparation and harvest. A well designed layout keeps inlet water away from outlet water and reduces the risk of disease spread between ponds. Correct pond size and depth also make daily management, sampling and harvesting easier and more efficient for the farmer.
#2 Use of high quality specific pathogen free seed
High quality seed is essential for strong growth and survival in shrimp ponds. Farmers should purchase specific pathogen free post larvae from certified hatcheries that regularly test for important viruses and bacteria. Before stocking, it is important to check the movement, color and uniformity of the seed and reject weak or deformed batches. Seed should be packed and transported carefully with adequate oxygen and low stress. Acclimatization to pond water temperature and salinity must be done slowly. When farmers invest in good seed, they reduce mortality and improve overall production and profitability at harvest time.
#3 Daily water quality monitoring and strong aeration
Maintaining stable water quality is one of the most important shrimp farming practices. Farmers should regularly monitor key parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity and transparency. Proper aeration using paddle wheels or blowers keeps oxygen levels healthy, especially at night and during cloudy days. Liming and mineral application help to maintain pH and hardness within the desired range. Regular water exchange or recirculation removes harmful metabolites like ammonia and nitrite. When water quality is stable, shrimps eat better, grow faster and are less stressed, which directly leads to higher yields and better profits.
#4 Strict biosecurity and thorough pond preparation
Strong biosecurity and careful pond preparation reduce the risk of disease outbreaks that can destroy an entire crop. Before stocking, ponds should be dried, tilled and disinfected to kill unwanted fish, crabs and disease causing organisms. Inlet water needs to be filtered through fine screens and sometimes treated in a reservoir pond before entering the culture pond. Visitors, vehicles, birds and animals should be controlled as they can carry pathogens from one farm to another. Footbaths, handwashing points and separate equipment for each pond further strengthen biosecurity and keep the culture system safer throughout the crop cycle.
#5 Scientific feeding strategies and feed management
Scientific feeding management helps farmers achieve good growth with minimum feed cost. Feed should be of reliable quality, suitable pellet size and high digestibility. Farmers can use feed trays and regular sampling to observe how much shrimps are eating and adjust the daily ration. Overfeeding increases feed conversion ratio, pollutes the pond and encourages disease, while underfeeding slows growth and delays harvest. Dividing feed into several meals throughout the day supports steady growth and reduces stress. Keeping proper records of feed input and shrimp size helps in planning future crops and negotiating better prices with suppliers.
#6 Suitable stocking density and crop planning
Selecting the right stocking density for each farm condition is crucial for reliable production. Many farmers are tempted to stock very high numbers of post larvae to chase higher output, but crowded ponds often face low oxygen, slower growth and heavy disease losses. It is better to follow recommended density based on pond design, aeration capacity and water quality history. Some farmers also opt for phased or partial stocking to spread risk. Planning culture duration, break periods and crop rotation in advance helps ponds recover and supports long term sustainable shrimp farming in every season.
#7 Regular sampling, health checks and record keeping
Routine sampling and health monitoring allow farmers to detect problems early and take timely action. Weekly cast net sampling helps to check average body weight, survival and size variation among shrimps in each pond. Farmers should observe color, behavior, gut fullness and any visible signs of disease during sampling and feeding times. Pond bottom condition and the smell of soil can indicate whether organic load is increasing. Maintaining simple records of water quality, feed usage, sampling data and treatments creates a clear picture of pond performance and supports better decision making and financial planning for future crops.
#8 Responsible use of inputs and support products
Responsible use of farm inputs protects shrimp health, the environment and market reputation. Farmers should avoid random use of antibiotics and chemicals that can leave residues and harm beneficial organisms. Instead, they can focus on maintaining good water quality, using probiotics, enzymes and beneficial microbes as advised by qualified experts. Any product used in the pond should be clearly labeled for aquaculture and have proper instructions for dosage and application. Buying inputs from trusted suppliers and keeping bills and batch details helps trace problems later. Responsible input management builds trust with processors, exporters and consumers.
#9 Careful harvest planning and post harvest handling
Careful harvest planning ensures that farmers get the best price and quality for their shrimp. Harvest should be timed based on market demand, shrimp size, pond condition and survival rate. Before harvest, farmers need to inform buyers, arrange ice, labor, nets and transport. During harvest, shrimps should be handled gently, washed in clean water and quickly chilled with sufficient ice to maintain freshness. Avoiding physical damage and mud contamination improves appearance and value. Good post harvest handling practices help farmers build strong relationships with buyers and secure better prices over multiple crop cycles. This creates long term benefits.
#10 Training, cooperation and use of information tools
Continuous learning and cooperation are powerful tools for improving shrimp farm performance in India. Farmers can attend training programs, farmer field schools and exposure visits arranged by government agencies, research institutes and private companies. Joining local farmer groups or cooperatives helps members share experiences, pool resources and negotiate better terms with input suppliers and buyers. Many farmers now use mobile applications, online videos and social media groups to access technical advice and weather information. By staying updated and connected, shrimp farmers can adopt new technologies faster and respond more effectively to emerging challenges in the industry.