Union Minister Rupala Launches Shrimp Crop Insurance Scheme to Boost India's Shrimp Farming

In a significant step towards enhancing India's position as a global leader in shrimp production, Purshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, launched a pioneering shrimp crop insurance scheme developed by the Agricultural Insurance Company (AIC) in Navsari on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering at the launch event, Minister Rupala encouraged entrepreneurs involved in shrimp farming to increase production and propel India to the coveted position of the world's largest shrimp producer. He reiterated the commitment of both state and Central governments to support this mission. Shrimp farming, he emphasized, has emerged as a vital source of livelihood for the people of South Gujarat.

C.R. Paatil, the State BJP President, also highlighted the significance of shrimp farming in South Gujarat. He noted that shrimp farming currently occupies around 10,000 hectares of land in Gujarat, with 80 percent of it being government-owned. Paatil urged the government to focus on developing essential infrastructure to further empower shrimp farmers in the region. Additionally, he proposed that the government allocate land to widows from the area, enabling them to engage in shrimp farming or lease the plots to generate monthly revenue.

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The newly launched shrimp crop insurance scheme, as outlined by AIC Managing Director and Chairman Girja Subramanyam, is poised to bolster the shrimp farming industry. This insurance policy covers a wide range of shrimp varieties, including black tiger prawn, white leg shrimp, and scampi. It provides insurance coverage from the initial stages of shrimp cultivation and extends up to 130 days, ensuring comprehensive protection for farmers throughout the crucial growth period of their shrimp.

The introduction of this shrimp crop insurance scheme marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to support its aquaculture industry, boost shrimp production, and secure the livelihoods of countless farmers involved in this vital sector. As India continues to make strides in global shrimp production, initiatives like this insurance program promise to fortify the resilience and prosperity of the nation's shrimp farming community.

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