White Gut Disease Hits Shrimp Farmers

Shrimp farmers across Andhra Pradesh are facing mounting losses as the spread of White Gut disease threatens aquaculture production during the crucial pre-harvest stage. The disease affects the digestive system of shrimp, leading to poor growth, reduced feed intake, and increased mortality, leaving farmers worried about heavy financial losses after investing significantly in seed, feed, and pond maintenance.

Farmers from East and West Godavari districts have blamed poor-quality shrimp seed, rising production costs, and inconsistent laboratory reports for worsening the crisis. They have urged the government to strengthen hatchery inspections, improve disease testing, and provide affordable treatment options.

Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has deployed special task force teams to inspect affected ponds. Samples of water, seed, feed, and shrimp are being collected for PCR testing to identify the cause of the outbreak.

The minister warned of strict action against hatcheries supplying poor-quality seed and laboratories issuing misleading reports. He said a Standard Operating Procedure is being prepared in coordination with research institutions to improve disease management and safeguard the livelihoods of shrimp farmers across the state.