Introduction
India's shrimp farming industry relies heavily on high-quality hatcheries, producing over 50 billion Penaeus vannamei seeds annually. With Andhra Pradesh dominating 65% of hatchery production, the sector is evolving with SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) and SPR (Specific Pathogen Resistant) technology to combat diseases like WSSV and EHP.
This guide explores India's shrimp hatchery landscape, covering best practices, key players, and innovations—with insights from Avanti Feeds Limited, a pioneer in advanced shrimp seed production.
Why Shrimp Hatcheries Matter
✔ Determine 60% of farming success through quality seeds
✔ Prevent disease outbreaks with SPF/SPR broodstock
✔ Boost survival rates from 40% to 80% with proper nauplii
*(India’s shrimp hatchery industry is worth ₹1,200+ crores, growing at 12% CAGR)*
Types of Shrimp Hatcheries in India
| Hatchery Type | Production Capacity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Scale | 50-100 million PL/year | Local broodstock, basic labs |
| Medium-Scale | 100-500 million PL/year | Imported SPF broodstock |
| Large-Scale (Integrated) | 1+ billion PL/year | Biosecure, RAS systems, PCR testing |
*(PL = Post-Larvae | Source: MPEDA Hatchery Survey 2024)*
Top 5 Shrimp Hatchery Hubs in India
Nellore (AP) – "Hatchery Capital of India" (300+ hatcheries)
Bhimavaram (AP) – High-tech facilities near farming zones
Kakinada (AP) – Major export-oriented hatcheries
Tuticorin (TN) – Specializes in black tiger shrimp seeds
Balasore (Odisha) – Emerging hub for bio-secure hatcheries
How a Modern Shrimp Hatchery Operates
1. Broodstock Sourcing
SPF broodstock imported from Hawaii or Florida (e.g., Kona Bay)
Domestic SPR broodstock developed by CIBA & MPEDA
2. Spawning & Larval Rearing
✔ Greenwater system for natural zooplankton
✔ 12-stage larval cycle (Nauplii → PL15 in 25 days)
3. Biosecurity Measures
UV-treated seawater
PCR testing for WSSV, IHHNV, EHP
Zero-water-exchange systems
4. Post-Larvae (PL) Quality Checks
✅ Stress tests (salinity shock)
✅ Microscopic exam for deformities
✅ Growth uniformity
Challenges in Indian Shrimp Hatcheries
⚠ Broodstock dependency (80% imported)
⚠ Disease transmission risks
⚠ High energy costs for aeration
Solutions:
✔ Indigenous broodstock development (CIBA’s "Vanami" project)
✔ Biofloc-based hatcheries to reduce water use
✔ Solar-powered aeration
Success Story: Avanti Feeds' Hatchery Division
Avanti operates India’s most advanced shrimp hatchery network:
???? 600 million PL/year capacity
???? SPF broodstock with 99% disease-free guarantee
???? Automated feeding & AI monitoring
???? Direct supply to 16,000+ farmers
Farmer Benefits:
25% higher survival rates vs. conventional seeds
Buyback agreements for assured market
Explore Avanti’s hatchery solutions:
???? https://avantifeeds.com/division-hatchery/