Prospects of Farming the Indian White Shrimp Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Nauplii of Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards brought from Kerala were raised in hatchery to postlarvae stage and stocked @ 5.5 nos nr2 in a prepared pond and reared to marketable size. The survival in 150 days was 60% with an average weight of 16 g. The adults of average weight 27 g and above,, collected later from the pond were matured in hatchery and spawned. The spawn was raised to postlarvae stage. The overall survival rate was 28%. A model self supporting aquaculture project having a hatchery of 5 million,, postlarvae yr1 to stock in an 8 hectare farm (water-spread) @ 25 nos m 2 and to produce annually 38 tonnes of shrimp (Head-on) was considered. The cost analysis indicated annual net income of Rs. 15 lakhs after decpreciation and interest on capital but excluding repayment of capital investment. The potential of establishing such projects in Gujarat is discussed.