A group of aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district has formed a local association to improve shrimp disease prevention and coordinate action across neighbouring farms. The New Indian Express reported on October 17 that about 60 farmers from five villages joined the Sri Matsya Aqua Unity Farmers Association.
Coordinated biosecurity measures
The participating farmers are located in Kalidindi and Kaikaluru mandals, around the Pedakommuleru and Venkatapuram channels. Their planned measures include identifying disease symptoms early, promptly harvesting infected ponds where appropriate, safely disposing of dead shrimp and disinfecting ponds and bunds. Farmers are also sharing updates through WhatsApp groups.
Improving access and reporting
The report said association members spent about ₹20 lakh voluntarily to repair damaged canal embankment roads, helping vehicles carry feed, medicines and other supplies. Better access can be important when farmers need veterinary or technical support quickly, although road improvements alone cannot prevent disease.
Fisheries officials have been encouraging farmers to report suspected infections through the Report Fish Disease mobile app, which allows users to upload photographs and details of symptoms. The initiative is part of the National Surveillance Project on Aquatic Animal Diseases, which supports early reporting, laboratory diagnosis and scientific guidance.
Why early detection matters
Shrimp farming can be vulnerable to infections such as white spot and white gut diseases. Delayed detection may allow problems to spread between ponds and increase financial losses. Water and soil testing, appropriate stocking practices, hygiene and expert advice are common components of farm biosecurity; farmers should follow guidance from fisheries professionals rather than relying on informal diagnosis alone.
The cited report said a fisheries official had not received disease complaints at the relevant laboratory at that time. That statement reflects the reported position at publication and should not be interpreted as proof that disease is absent throughout the district.
