India is a major global producer of shrimp and prawn for export, with welfare standards varying across intensive and extensive production systems.
Prawn welfare in Indian aquaculture ranges considerably between producers. Intensive ponds with high stocking densities cause chronic social stress and elevated ammonia exposure. Disease management relying heavily on antibiotics rather than improved welfare conditions contributes to antibiotic resistance concerns. Traditional extensive polyculture systems using natural productivity have lower density and lower welfare pressure on individual prawns. Export market requirements for antibiotic residue testing drive some welfare-positive disease management improvements. Recognition of decapod sentience by major consumer markets including the UK is creating regulatory expectations that will influence Indian export standards over time.