Shrimp farming in India is governed by a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at promoting sustainable practices, ensuring food safety, and protecting coastal ecosystems. Here's an overview of the key laws, authorities, and guidelines that shape the shrimp business in India:
🐟 Key Regulatory Authorities and Acts
1. Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act, 2005
The CAA Act establishes the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to regulate and promote coastal aquaculture activities. It mandates the registration of shrimp farms and hatcheries, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and sustainable practices. The Act specifies that shrimp farms should not be located within 200 meters of the high tide line or in ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, agricultural lands, and wetlands. Additionally, farms should maintain a minimum distance from human settlements and drinking
2. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification
The CRZ Notification, issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, restricts certain activities within coastal areas to protect the coastal environment. Shrimp farming activities are regulated based on their location within the CRZ zones, with stricter norms for areas closer to the high tide line .
🛠️ Supporting Agencies and Initiatives
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
MPEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for promoting seafood exports from India. It provides technical assistance to shrimp farmers, offers quality control certifications, and supports infrastructure development such as hatcheries and processing units. MPEDA also conducts training programs to enhance the skills of shrimp farmers and workers
National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
NFDB is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, which supports the development of the fisheries sector, including shrimp farming. It provides financial assistance, training, and promotes sustainable aquaculture practices .
📜 Recent Amendments and Developments
In 2023, the CAA Act was amended to facilitate the establishment of aquaculture units such as hatcheries and breeding centers within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), provided they have direct access to seawater. This amendment aims to support the production of genetically improved and disease-free stocks for coastal aquaculture .
⚠️ Labor and Environmental Concerns
Despite the regulatory framework, there have been reports of hazardous working conditions in some shrimp processing units, including inadequate wages, unsanitary conditions, and lack of safety measures. Environmental concerns such as water contamination and loss of arable land due to shrimp farming have also been raised .
✅ Compliance and Best Practices
To operate legally and sustainably in the shrimp farming industry in India, stakeholders should:
Register with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA).
Comply with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.
Adhere to guidelines set by MPEDA and NFDB.
Implement environmental monitoring and management plans.
Ensure fair labor
For detailed guidelines and notifications, you can visit the official websites of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and Marine Products Export Development Authority.
