India’s position as the world’s second-largest shrimp producer faces growing threats

India, the world’s second-largest shrimp producer after Ecuador, faces a crisis due to steep U.S. tariffs of 58.26%, causing prices to fall from ₹300 to ₹230 per kg and pushing farmers into heavy losses. Shrimp farmers like Buddhadeb Pradhan in West Bengal risk diseased second crops to recover investments. With production costs exceeding prices, many face financial ruin. The tariffs have also hit hatcheries—about half of India’s 550 have shut down due to reduced seed demand. Experts urge local breeding programs to reduce dependence on imported brood stock and stabilize India’s shrimp farming industry, which employs 10 million people.