Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved a comprehensive regulatory framework for the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei, or white leg shrimp, and other brackish water species in inland saline waters.
The framework will regulate and promote farming beyond the jurisdiction of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, covering areas 2 to 10 km from the High Tide Line.
It establishes a scientific, environmentally sustainable system for aquaculture development in inland saline areas. Key provisions include mandatory farm registration through an online process, scientific site selection, biosecurity measures, disease surveillance, water quality monitoring, and installation of Effluent Treatment Systems. The guidelines also promote cluster-based aquaculture with common infrastructure and adoption of advanced technologies.
The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department will ensure registration of all farms. The initiative aims to facilitate sustainable expansion of shrimp farming, improve productivity, strengthen biosecurity, and enhance farmer livelihoods.
The move will serve as a key enabler for the proposed Odisha Shrimp Mission under the Blue Economy initiative of Odisha Vision 2036 and Vision 2047. It is expected to bring 25,000 hectares under additional farming, raise shrimp production from 1.6 lakh MT to 9 lakh MT, and increase annual seafood exports from about ₹15,429 crore to ₹15,000 crore by 2036. Around 2.5 lakh livelihoods are likely to be generated.
By 2047, Odisha aims to emerge as one of the top states in shrimp production and export. Officials said the initiative will strengthen Odisha’s position as a leading Blue Economy state and make fisheries and aquaculture a major driver of economic growth, exports, and coastal livelihoods.
