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 program aimed 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 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 the 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. These are:
• 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.
Update: Program now moves into the next phase during the upcoming crop cycle
In February, Balasubramaniam V, updated on activities.
“Over the past few months, a considerable amount of work has been taking place quietly in the field and at the laboratories, and we felt it was the right time to share the latest developments with all of you who have been supporting this initiative.”
Since the recruitment of our first research associate, Mary Divya, the laboratory work at ICAR–CIBA has been progressing steadily. Live samples collected from farms in Nagapattinam and sent by our field technical team have been undergoing continuous screening and analysis.
Last week, a joint scientific review meeting was held at the RGCA headquarters in Sirkazhi, bringing together investigators from ICAR–CIBA, RGCA and PFFI. The meeting was attended by Dr. Kuldeep Lal, Director of CIBA, and Dr. Anup Mandal, Project Director of RGCA, along with the investigation team.
The preliminary investigations by both CIBA and RGCA indicate the possible involvement of a pathogen in the disease situation being investigated. Further validation work will continue before firm conclusions are drawn.
The program now moves into the next phase during the upcoming crop cycle, where selected farms will be closely monitored through the crop, additional field sampling will continue, and case–control studies will be carried out to better understand the factors associated with the disease occurrence.
“We remain deeply grateful to all our corporate supporters, Scientific committee members and well-wishers who have stood with farmers and scientists in making this farmer-led investigation possible.”
✨ Science without borders. Solutions for farmers.
Led and coordinated by the Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI).
