India is a major shrimp producing and exporting nation. Small-scale farms supply global markets, and improving welfare standards has leverage across a large production base.
Small-scale Indian shrimp farms face welfare challenges primarily related to water quality management in earthen ponds. Seasonal oxygen depletion causes mass mortalities and chronic stress periods. Harvest by pond draining concentrates shrimp in progressively poorer water conditions. Slaughter by freezing without prior stunning is standard. Capacity building through extension services and affordable welfare improvement tools, such as low-cost aerators and improved harvest protocols, can deliver meaningful welfare improvement at scale across this large production base.