Sustainable Shrimp Farmers of India (SSFI) is an initiative by Shrimp Welfare Project (SWP) to promote the best welfare-focused management practices in shrimp farming.

Improved sustainability

SSFI offers farming standards to reduce the shrimp's suffering from unfavorable conditions.

Technical Assistance

SSFI provides technical assistance to help farmers implement suggested practices and handle challenges. One-on-one meetings with specialists, site visits, or access to materials such as best management practices manuals.

Enhanced reputation

Farmers can increase their farm's reputation and trust with consumers, partners, and stakeholders by proving their dedication to shrimp welfare, sustainability, and good farming methods.

Access to training and resources

SSFI offers training and materials to assist farms in improving their operations and implementing sustainable practices.

Networking opportunities

Farmers can participate in SSFI to connect with other farmers and industry professionals, learn from them, and share their own knowledge and experiences.

Marketing support

SSFI keeps farmers up-to-date with the latest news and information related to shrimp farming.

Our Projects

Sludge Removal Programme

SSFI has initiated a comprehensive sludge removal programme.

Sludge accumulation in the ponds, which consists of organic waste, uneaten feed, and other residues, can lead to the buildup of harmful substances such as Hydrogen Sulphide and Ammonia. These toxic compounds degrade water quality, stress the shrimps, and increase the risk of disease, ultimately threatening shrimp welfare and the overall success of the farming operation.

The programme focuses on the effective management and removal of sludge to prevent these issues, thereby promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems and improving shrimp health. We take great care in ensuring the safe disposal of sludge, adhering to environmentally friendly methods that minimise the impact on surrounding areas.

Currently, the programme is in progress in a few remote villages of Andhra Pradesh, focusing on assisting underprivileged farmers. By implementing advanced sludge treatment technologies and providing training to these farmers, SSFI works to improve water quality, enhance shrimp health, and support long-term environmental stewardship in shrimp farming communities.

Chill Killing

SSFI has also launched an initiative to promote the practice of chill-killing in shrimp farming. While we recognise electrical stunning as the only truly humane method for shrimp processing, this initiative helps farmers transition from inhumane practices like suffocation to using ice slurry as an intermediate solution where electrical stunning is not yet feasible.

Chill-killing involves rapidly cooling the shrimp to a very low temperature, effectively ending their life while preserving the quality of the meat. This method not only ensures better welfare compared to methods like suffocation but also enhances the visual appeal and texture of the final product. By maintaining optimal freshness, chill-killing helps in delivering a superior product to the market, which can command higher prices and satisfy consumer demands for high-quality seafood.

While chill-killing is not as effective as stunning the shrimps, it represents a significant improvement over the existing methods where any stunning technique is nonexistent. Through workshops, training sessions, and informational resources, SSFI's chill-killing programme aims to educate farmers on the best practices for implementing this technique. By adopting chill-killing, farmers can improve their product quality, increase their market competitiveness, and contribute to more humane and sustainable shrimp farming practices.

Technical Consultation and Training

We are dedicated to empowering shrimp farmers through regular training and consultation events.

These initiatives are designed to educate farmers on the latest sustainable practices and encourage them to adopt proactive measures for shrimp welfare, leading to better overall outcomes for both the shrimp and the farmers. Our signature farming model, "Low Investment, Low Risk, and Fair Returns," highlights the importance of lowering stocking density. By doing so, farmers can significantly reduce their risks and enhance the immunity of their shrimp, making them more resilient in the face of diseases. This approach not only ensures healthier shrimp but also promotes more stable and fair returns for the farmers.