These reports revealed issues such as child labor, forced labor, and inhumane working conditions in Indian shrimp processing facilities, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), an organization representing shrimp producers in the U.S., played a key role in pushing for the inclusion of Indian shrimp on the DOL’s list. They cited the same reports as evidence of labor exploitation in the industry.

The shrimp processing plants in India are said to operate under extremely poor conditions, with workers facing significant hardships. ILAB’s report highlights instances of debt bondage, where workers are charged high job-placement fees that leave them trapped in financial servitude. Many workers are forced to live in employer-provided housing near the worksites, often located in remote areas, with security measures that include lock-ins and surveillance, restricting their freedom of movement.

In addition to the physical abuse and verbal harassment reported, workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, endure long hours of standing, and face the risk of injury due to the lack of proper protective equipment. Housing conditions are described as overcrowded, unsanitary, and poorly maintained.

One of the more prominent revelations came from Josh Farinella, a former general manager of the shrimp processing company Choice Canning in Kerala, India. Farinella became a whistleblower after witnessing firsthand the poor conditions at the facility. He recounted instances of antibiotic-contaminated shrimp being shipped to the U.S. and employees being forced to stay at the facility against their will. Despite these allegations, Choice Canning has denied any wrongdoing, stating that they have passed social compliance audits and asserting that forced labor does not exist in India’s shrimp industry.

The addition of Indian shrimp to the ILAB’s list has significant implications for the U.S. shrimp market. The Southern Shrimp Alliance has urged all U.S. buyers to exercise due diligence when sourcing shrimp from India, potentially impacting the reputation and demand for Indian seafood in the global market.

India’s shrimp industry is a major player in global seafood exports, contributing billions to the country’s economy. However, the reports of labor abuses have put the industry under intense scrutiny. With shrimp being such a valuable export, this new designation could result in increased regulatory measures and stricter import controls by countries like the U.S., which prioritize ethical sourcing practices.

The case of Indian shrimp serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind global food supply chains. As the world demands sustainable and ethical seafood production, it is essential for industries to adopt transparent practices that protect workers’ rights, improve working conditions, and ensure that forced labor and child labor are eradicated. Collaborative efforts between governments, companies, and consumers are crucial in building a seafood industry that values both human rights and environmental sustainability.

The post U.S. Department of Labor flags Indian shrimp for forced labor concerns appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

By decoding the genome of the indigenous F. indicus, scientists aim to reduce the dependence on a single species and promote the use of native varieties, thereby benefiting the Indian shrimp industry and farmers. The project has been allocated a total of ₹100 crore, with an initial ₹25.04 crore being granted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

The farming sector in India heavily depends on the cultivation of farmed shrimp, which contributes up to 70% of the country’s seafood export market. Vannamei shrimp, the mother species, is imported and cultivated on farms before being exported. India’s seafood exports are estimated at ₹42,000 crore. This particular variety of shrimp is also the dominant species used globally for export purposes. Therefore, finding a genetically improved indigenous variety could not only enhance India’s self-sufficiency in shrimp production but also improve its export revenues.

The Central Institute for Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), an organization under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has taken the F. indicus as a national priority species under the Make in India flagship program. The CIBA successfully decoded the complete genome of this shrimp species, a significant achievement that marks a fundamental step towards genetic selection and improvement of native shrimp.

According to Akshaya Panigrahi, the principal scientist at CIBA, F. indicus has already demonstrated its potential as a species with a production capacity of 3-7 tons per hectare per crop, even before domestication. Through genetic improvement programs, it is estimated that each generation can achieve a genetic gain of 4-7%, resulting in a doubling of productivity, improved feed conversion efficiency, and increased profitability for shrimp farmers.

The post Aquaculture scientists in India sequenced the genome of white shrimp appeared first on Seafood Network BD.