Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s shrimp farming sector, which accounts for over 73% of India’s total shrimp output, is grappling with a significant challenge posed by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite. Widely referred to as a “silent profit killer,” EHP has inflicted severe economic losses estimated at ₹4,000 crore annually, disrupting the livelihoods of thousands of shrimp farmers.
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), shrimp farms in India are particularly vulnerable to EHP infections, with a 49% chance of disease occurrence. On average, the parasite causes an annual loss of 49,000 metric tonnes of shrimp, making it a critical issue for aquaculture practitioners across the state.
The repercussions extend beyond production losses, affecting employment and income streams for both rural farmers and urban industries linked to the shrimp trade. As these cascading effects threaten the sector’s sustainability, experts have called for swift measures to curb the spread of EHP and safeguard the aquaculture economy.
Kemin Industries, a company specializing in shrimp health solutions, highlighted the severity of the outbreak during a press briefing on Thursday. Global Marketing Director Grin Swangdacharuk explained that EHP has severely impacted nearly half of the aqua farmers, significantly reducing shrimp counts and yields.
In response, Kemin has introduced Paththtol, an eco-friendly solution designed to manage EHP infections effectively. Swangdacharuk emphasized that the product not only curbs the parasite but also mitigates secondary complications, offering a practical approach for affected farmers.
With mounting pressure to contain EHP, the shrimp farming community and stakeholders are focusing on innovative management practices to stabilize the industry and minimize economic disruptions.
Source: TOI