India, Dec. 17 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
(a) The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has not received any reports of severe losses faced by shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh due to repeated outbreaks of White Spot Disease. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has established a robust framework for early detection, reporting, and control of aquatic animal diseases. Under the central sector component of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries is implementing the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) through ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, with a total outlay of Rs. 33.78 crore. NSPAAD involves systematic surveillance across all the States/UTs in the country to identify disease risk, improve disease management, and promote a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Under the NSPAAD, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has also launched an Android-based mobile application known as "Report Fish Disease". The app provides a central platform for connecting, integrating, and seamlessly connecting fish farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts.
As informed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, under the ongoing disease surveillance programme, field teams have been collecting aquaculture samples fortnightly from various regions of the State. These samples are subsequently analysed at the designated referral laboratory located at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Kakinada. During the period from 1st January 2025 to date, four samples have tested positive for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) under the passive surveillance component. In addition, under active surveillance, a total of twenty-three samples have been diagnosed as WSSV-positive in Andhra Pradesh.
(b) and (c): The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has integrated aquaculture crop insurance support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), implemented as a component of the broader Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) across all States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India also conducts periodic reviews to assess the scheme's performance and progress. As informed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, 85 aquafarmers in the State are currently covered under the Aquaculture Crop Insurance Scheme. In 2025, insurance claims totalling Rs.5.21 lakh were disbursed to 10 aquafarmers, and an additional 12 claims were approved for release.
(d) No proposal under consideration in the Department fisheries, Government of India to introduce State-specific risk parameters or premium structures for Andhra Pradesh.
(e) To mitigate White Spot Disease, Coastal Aquaculture Authority, under the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has issued comprehensive guidelines for the establishment and operation of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) shrimp broodstock multiplication centres, Nucleus Breeding Centres, hatcheries, and farms, along with guidelines for health monitoring, disease surveillance, and SPF certification of coastal aquaculture units and stocks. These measures aim to prevent the introduction, infection, and outbreak of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and to safeguard the shrimp aquaculture sector and its value chain.
To strengthen biosecurity, quarantine of all imported shrimp broodstock and parental post-larvae has been made mandatory, thereby limiting the entry and spread of pathogens. Further, the Government has mandated the registration of shrimp hatcheries, Nauplii Rearing Centres (NRCs), and shrimp farms with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) for effective monitoring, surveillance, and regulatory oversight.
Regular PCR-based disease surveillance of shrimp and water samples is carried out with support from the national surveillance programme, enabling early detection and timely control of WSSV. Additionally, the Government is promoting alternative culture systems such as Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to reduce disease risk, enhance biosecurity, and encourage sustainable aquaculture practices.
The above answer was given by Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh, Minister of Fisheries,Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, in response to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha.
JP
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
