Hendrix Genetics, a renowned global leader in animal breeding, has set its sights on revolutionizing the Indian shrimp farming landscape through the establishment of a cutting-edge Shrimp Breeding Multiplication Center (BMC) in Ranasthalam Mandal, Srikakulam District, nestled within the Andhra Pradesh region of India. The grand inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility witnessed a gathering of over 300 esteemed guests, signifying a momentous leap forward in the company’s expansion endeavors in the Indian market.
Under the adept management of Kona Bay, a distinguished subsidiary of Hendrix Genetics, the Indian BMC emerges as a beacon of innovation and excellence in shrimp breeding practices. With a robust broodstock production capacity of 150,000, meticulously overseen by local leader Deepak Patnaik, the center embodies a strategic vision aimed at decentralizing production processes. This strategic shift not only mitigates risks associated with high-risk export channels but also ensures a seamless and uninterrupted supply of premium products to discerning customers.
David Danson, the esteemed Director of Operations and Shrimp at Hendrix Genetics, delineated the operational roadmap for the BMC, stating, “The Parental Line (PPL) will be stocked in Q4 2023 from our Hawaii facility, with the first broodstock sales slated for Q2 2024. Furthermore, we have embarked on a mission to assemble a formidable local team, with aspirations to enlist up to 40 experts to drive our endeavors forward.”
Central to the BMC’s mission is the preservation of genetic integrity, with a steadfast commitment to maintaining Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) status synonymous with Hendrix Genetics’ esteemed lineage. Leveraging its strategic proximity to indigenous shrimp rearing conditions, the center facilitates seamless data transmission to the breeding nucleus in Hawaii, thereby facilitating continuous refinement and adaptation of shrimp genetics tailored to the unique demands of the Indian market.
The BMC’s unwavering dedication to biosecurity is exemplified through a comprehensive suite of measures, including its strategic location mere 1 kilometer from the ocean, coupled with a meticulously maintained 2-kilometer exclusion zone surrounding the site. Additionally, state-of-the-art water filtration systems, stringent effluent sterilization protocols, as well as internal quarantine and grow-out modules, underscore the centre’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of operational integrity.
The establishment of the Hendrix Genetics Shrimp Breeding Multiplication Centre heralds a new era of progress and prosperity in India’s aquaculture sector. With an unwavering focus on genetic advancement, biosecurity, and local adaptation, the centre stands poised to catalyse transformative change, fostering resilience and sustainability within India’s vibrant shrimp farming industry. By catering to the evolving needs of both domestic and international markets, the BMC emerges as a beacon of hope, driving positive change and ushering in a brighter future for Indian shrimp farming.
