Freshwater Aquaculture's Bright Prospect with the Golden River Prawn, Offering Potential Profits while Maintaining Sustainability
In various regions of India, the Giant River Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), locally known as scampi, is transforming rural livelihoods. This freshwater species, thriving in rivers, ponds, and canals, is becoming the "golden crop" of freshwater aquaculture due to rising demand, better seed availability, and improved farming practices.
The prawn commands premium prices, offering farmers attractive returns compared to many conventional crops or livestock. In fact, with high market demand, farmers can earn a net profit of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per cycle.
Improved hatchery technologies and government support have made seed availability better, enabling small and marginal farmers to take up prawn farming alongside or integrated with traditional agriculture. This sustainable activity leverages local freshwater resources, improving land and water use efficiency without the need for saline water, unlike marine shrimp farming.
Rising domestic demand, supported by government branding and awareness campaigns, could help stabilize farmer incomes even amid export uncertainties. States like Andhra Pradesh, a major hub for shrimp and prawn production, are promoting these strategies to safeguard rural livelihoods.
Scampi farming is environmentally friendly when managed well, requiring less chemical input and helping in efficient water use. A one-acre pond with a depth of 1 to 1.5 meters is ideal for scampi farming, and the pond should be cleaned, limed, and filled with clean water.
Scampi can be cultured along with carps or freshwater fishes in polyculture systems, increasing pond productivity and income without needing more land or resources. Value-added products like peeled and frozen scampi have good potential if processing units are nearby.
Farmers can sell scampi directly in local markets or through cooperatives. Complete harvesting is done by draining the pond. Scampi are omnivorous and feed on algae, detritus, small organisms, and commercial feeds with around 30-35% protein content. Feeding should be done early in the morning and evening, and supplementing with farm-made feeds like rice bran, groundnut cake, or boiled broken rice can help reduce costs.
Regular water exchange is essential to maintain water quality and control ammonia buildup. Aeration is important, especially during warm months, to ensure adequate oxygen levels. Scampi can grow up to 25-30 cm in length and weigh over 200 grams, and its firm, tasty meat fetches premium prices in local markets.
Scampi have a strong domestic market, especially in hotels and restaurants, and significant export potential to Gulf and Southeast Asian countries. With good management, an average 1-acre pond can yield 600-800 kg of marketable scampi.
In summary, Giant River Prawn farming offers rural farmers in these Indian states an economically rewarding, environmentally compatible, and scalable aquaculture activity that leverages local freshwater resources and growing market demand. This aligns with broader efforts to improve rural incomes, diversify farming systems, and reduce dependence on volatile export markets.
The rising demand for Giant River Prawn (scampi) has crafted opportunities for rural farmers in India, particularly in regions like Andhra Pradesh, to earn attractive returns, as they can net a profit of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per farming cycle. This profitable venture not only safeguards rural livelihoods but also aligns with broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture, decreasing dependence on export markets, and diversifying farming systems.
Incorporating scampi farming alongside traditional agriculture can provide small and marginal farmers with an additional source of income given the improved seed availability and the positive impact on land and water use efficiency, without requiring saline water as in marine shrimp farming. This activity, able to fetch premium prices in local markets and having significant export potential, could play a substantial role in improving lifestyle and finance options for farmers within the food-and-drink sector and business in general.
