Mon Jan 06 20:03:53 IST 2025: ## GITAM University Offers Research Support to Indian Shrimp Farmers
**Visakhapatnam, India (January 6, 2025)** – GITAM Deemed to be University’s School of Science announced it will provide research and development (R&D) support to Indian shrimp farmers to address challenges in aquaculture. The announcement came during a workshop highlighting the significant growth of the Indian seafood sector, which now boasts over $8 billion in annual exports.
According to K.S. Krishna, dean of the School of Science, key issues plaguing the industry include water pollution, overfeeding, overstocking, and the misuse of antibiotics and chemicals. He emphasized the need for sustainable aquaculture practices and the integration of advanced water quality management technologies. GITAM’s DST-supported water quality management laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will be instrumental in assisting farmers.
The workshop also featured presentations on the development of herbal treatments for aquaculture diseases (A.K. Reddy, AU-AVANTI Aquaculture Skill Development Centre), training programs for aspiring shrimp farmers (K. Phani Prakash), and the importance of addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in shrimp cultivation (P.V. Nageswara Rao, All India Shrimp Farmers Association). Participants stressed the need for collaboration between farmers and academic institutions to overcome these challenges. CSIR-NIO’s V.V.S.S. Sharma urged farmers to bring their concerns to research institutions for solutions. The overall consensus highlighted the critical need for improved water quality management, sustainable farming practices, and government support for model hatcheries.