Indian Shrimp Hatcheries

Context

Recently, India rejected the allegations of human rights and environmental abuses raised by a Chicago-based human rights group.

India Refutes Allegations on Shrimp Hatcheries 

• Allegations: A report from Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) alleged working conditions in some shrimp hatcheries, growing ponds and peeling sheds.
• Rejection by India: India rejected the allegations by mentioning that the entire value chain for India’s shrimp exports is certified by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and there is no scope for such concerns about overseas shipments. 
• Action taken by India: 
  • Conduct of Independent Studies: The Commerce Ministry advised exporters to commission independent studies on the working conditions at shrimp farms to eliminate the concerns in major markets like the U.S. and EU. 
  • Specific Involvement: The Commerce Ministry has also asked the Andhra Pradesh government to look into the allegations made in the CAL report, such as workers facing ‘dangerous and abusive conditions’.

India’s Position on Shrimps

• Progressive Export: In 2022-23, India’s seafood exports stood at $8.09 billion and shrimps contributed to $5.6 billion. 
  • India has emerged as one of the world’s largest shrimp exporters and its share in the U.S. market has risen from 21% to 40% in 2022-23.
• Target: India aims to scale up seafood exports to ₹1 lakh crore by 2025-26.
• Shrimp Producing States in India: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat. 
  • Shrimp farming is also taking roots in the states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
    • Andhra Pradesh accounts for the largest market share. There are about a lakh shrimp farms, alone account for almost 70% of India’s shrimp output. 
• Women-Inclusive Sector: Women share about 70% of the 8 million-odd jobs in the sector, including two lakh in hatcheries and aquaculture farms and the rest in processing and freezing units.

DOWNLOAD PDF