First farmer-led targeted disease investigation program in India In India, running mortality syndrome (RMS) has recently intensified, leading to ongoing losses and frequent crop failures. Farmers often cannot sustain crops beyond 70–75 days. RMS is typically associated with white muscle and pinkish discolouration. Along with white faeces disease (WFD) and the age-old WSSV, these conditions contribute to chronic production losses.
In August, the Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI) launched the pilot phase of a historic farmer-led targeted disease investigation program at Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. This initiative brings together farmers, scientists from the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR–CIBA) and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA–MPEDA), industry supporters, and international experts from the University of Arizona, including Professor Arun K. Dhar and his team. The study aims to tackle the persistent disease-related mortalities and crop failures that continue to threaten Indian shrimp farming.
Balasubramaniam V, General Secretary of the Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI), said,
“We desperately needed to understand the disease and to figure out a way out of this terrible situation. For the first time, farmers and scientists are working hand in hand under a structured framework, using each other’s strengths. PFFI will be the coordinator for field visits, farmer data and sample collection, while the researchers focus on the disease investigation in the laboratories. I am privileged to initiate and coordinate this effort, with overwhelming support from industry and farming communities across the country.”
Technical and marketing teams from feed and input suppliers are coordinating with farmers and project field coordinators to regularly visit farms and collect data and samples, especially during disease outbreaks. Activities follow a structured and coordinated program.
The inaugural session brought together more than 150 farmers, industry stakeholders from across the country, and key government bodies. For the first time, eight national organisations are working under one umbrella.
- PFFI – Prawn Farmers Federation of India – Lead farmer organisation driving the program
- ICAR–CIBA – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture – National aquaculture research institution & key investigator
- MPEDA–RGCA – Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture – National aquaculture research & demonstration centre under MPEDA; key investigator.
- NFDB – National Fisheries Development Board (funding agency).
- CAA – Coastal Aquaculture Authority (regulatory agency)
- AISHA – All India Shrimp Hatchery Association.
- SAP – Society of Aquaculture Professionals.
- SEAI – Seafood Exporters Association of India.
The pilot phase focuses on two commonly reported but insufficiently studied conditions: rapid mortalities associated with white muscle, and chronic production challenges linked to white faeces.
Over the next two years, the study will combine: a case–control epidemiological survey to identify risk factors, continuous farm-level monitoring and field investigations, and laboratory-based challenge trials to assess suspected causative agents and triggering conditions.
