Snapshot
Prawn farming is one of the most profitable aquaculture businesses in India, offering high returns with proper planning and care. With increasing global demand for prawns like Vannamei, Indian farmers are turning to commercial prawn culture for a steady income. This guide explains everything — from pond setup and seed selection to feeding, harvesting, costs, government subsidies, and profits. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring agripreneur, this step-by-step guide will help you launch and scale your prawn farming venture successfully.
Prawn farming in India has emerged as one of the most profitable agribusiness opportunities. With a growing demand in both domestic and international markets, especially for species like Vannamei and freshwater prawns, this venture offers a great return on investment. If you’re looking for a sustainable and high-yield business, prawn farming might just be your catch of the day.
What is Prawn Farming?
Prawn farming is the process of breeding and raising prawns (also called freshwater or marine shrimp) in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, or farms for commercial purposes.
Benefits of Prawn Farming
- High market demand both locally and globally
- Quick turnover with 2–3 crops annually
- Good adaptability to Indian climatic conditions
- Low land requirement compared to crops
- Government subsidies and financial aid
Types of Prawns Cultivated in India
1. Vannamei Prawns (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Fast-growing
- Disease-resistant
- High export value
2. Black Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon)
- Preferred in gourmet markets
- Larger in size
- Slower growth compared to Vannamei
3. Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
- Can be cultured in low-salinity areas
- Suited for domestic consumption
- Longer grow-out period
Comparison Table:
| Species | Growth Time | Ideal Water | Market Demand | Disease Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vannamei | 4–5 months | Brackish | Very High | High |
| Tiger | 5–6 months | Marine | Moderate | Medium |
| Freshwater | 6–8 months | Freshwater | Low–Moderate | Low |
Site Selection & Land Preparation
Criteria for Site Selection
- Soil: Clayey loam with high water retention
- Water source: Borewell, canal, or river
- Topography: Slight slope for drainage
- Climate: Tropical to sub-tropical is ideal
Land Preparation Steps
- Clearing and Levelling: Remove vegetation and flatten the land.
- Soil Testing: Check for pH (6.5–7.5), organic content.
- Pond Layout Planning: Design nursery, grow-out, and sedimentation ponds.
Expert Tip: Ensure buffer zones around the pond to prevent contamination.
Design and Construction of Ponds
Types of Ponds
- Nursery Pond: For rearing PL (post-larvae)
- Grow-Out Pond: For final production
- Sedimentation Pond: For water treatment
Construction Requirements
- Size: 0.5–2 acres
- Shape: Rectangular preferred for better water circulation
- Depth: 4–5 feet
- Inlet/Outlet: Separate pipes with filters
- Lining: Use HDPE sheets to prevent seepage and disease
Construction Cost Table (Per Acre)
| Component | Cost (INR) |
| Excavation | ₹60,000–₹90,000 |
| HDPE Lining | ₹60,000–₹80,000 |
| Pipes & Fittings | ₹20,000–₹30,000 |
| Aerators | ₹1,00,000 (4 paddle wheels) |
| Total | ₹2.4–₹3 Lakhs |
Quick Note: Efficient pond design ensures lower mortality and faster growth.
Water Quality Management
Essential Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| Salinity | 15–30 ppt |
| Temperature | 26–32°C |
| DO (Dissolved Oxygen) | >5 ppm |
| Ammonia | <0.1 ppm |
Management Practices
- Daily monitoring using test kits
- Partial water exchange (10–20% weekly)
- Use of aerators for oxygenation
- Addition of lime and probiotics
Seed Selection and Stocking Techniques
Sourcing Seeds
- Buy SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) larvae from MPEDA-approved hatcheries
- Always check for disease certifications
Stocking Procedure
- Acclimatise seeds to pond water gradually (over 4–6 hours)
- Stock during early morning or late evening
- Maintain uniform stocking density
Optimal Densities
| Species | PL/m² |
| Vannamei | 40–60 |
| Tiger | 15–20 |
| Freshwater | 4–6 |
Stocking Tips: Overcrowding leads to stress and disease.
Feed Management in Prawn Farming
Feeding Schedule
- 1st Month: Starter feed (35–40% protein)
- 2nd–3rd Month: Grower feed (30–32% protein)
- 4th–5th Month: Finisher feed (28–30% protein)
Feeding Frequency
- 4–5 times a day
- Adjust based on feeding trays and pond behaviour
Feed Cost Table
| Item | Cost per Acre (INR) |
| Monthly Feed | ₹40,000–₹60,000 |
| Crop Cycle (5 months) | ₹2–₹2.5 Lakhs |
Note: Use branded feed like Growel, Avanti or CP Aqua for best results.
Health Management & Disease Prevention
Common Diseases
- White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
- Vibriosis
- EHP
- Soft Shell
Preventive Measures
- Use of probiotics and disinfectants
- Regular removal of waste and dead prawns
- Maintain optimal water quality
- Avoid water reuse
Biosecurity Protocols
- Quarantine all new stock
- Footbath and hand-sanitising stations
- Limit access to the pond area
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management
When to Harvest?
- When prawns reach market size (30–40g for Vannamei)
- 120–150 days after stocking
Harvesting Methods
- Draining water and collecting with nets
- Partial harvests using cast nets
- Avoid harvesting during peak heat hours
Post-Harvest Care
- Wash and ice immediately
- Grade based on size and quality
- Pack in insulated containers
Market Price (2025):
| Prawn Type | Price/kg (INR) |
| Vannamei | ₹350–₹450 |
| Tiger Prawn | ₹450–₹600 |
| Freshwater | ₹250–₹350 |
Tip: Grade A prawns fetch up to 30% higher price.
Profitability Analysis
Total Setup & Recurring Cost (Per Acre)
| Component | Cost (INR) |
| Pond Setup | ₹1.5–2 Lakhs |
| Seeds | ₹35,000 |
| Feed | ₹2.5 Lakhs |
| Aeration/Equipments | ₹1 Lakh |
| Labour & Maintenance | ₹50,000 |
| Total | ₹5.85–6.5 Lakhs |
Income & Profit
| Particular | Value (INR) |
| Yield | 3,500–4,000 kg |
| Avg. Price | ₹400/kg |
| Gross Income | ₹14–₹16 Lakhs |
| Net Profit | ₹8–₹10 Lakhs per crop |
Financial Assistance, Subsidies & Insurance
Government Schemes
- PM Matsya Sampada Yojana – 40% subsidy on setup cost
- Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Blue Revolution Scheme
Loan Providers
- NABARD
- State Co-operative Banks
- Regional Rural Banks
Aquaculture Insurance
- Covers crop loss due to disease, floods, and cyclones
- Offered by IRDA-registered insurers
Checklist to Apply for Subsidy:
- Land ownership documents
- Detailed project report
- Water & soil test reports
- Quotation for inputs
Challenges in Prawn Farming
- Water pollution
- Climate change impact
- Price fluctuations
- Lack of skilled manpower
Solutions
- Adopt biofloc or RAS systems
- Real-time water sensors and automation
- Collective marketing groups
Expert Tip: Regular training improves yield and reduces risks.
Conclusion
Prawn farming is a lucrative business that promises high returns if done right. It requires attention to detail in every phase — from seed selection to harvesting. With strong market demand, supportive government policies, and access to technology, prawn farming can be your gateway to sustainable agribusiness success.
Explore more blogs to boost your farming knowledge and make smarter agri-business moves.
FAQs
Yes, it is highly profitable with potential earnings of ₹3–6 lakh per acre per cycle if managed efficiently.
Initial setup costs range between ₹6–10 lakh per acre, including pond setup, seed, feed, and labour.
Vannamei shrimp is the most preferred species due to its high yield, fast growth, and export demand.
Prawns generally reach market size in 100–120 days with proper feeding and water quality.
A well-managed farm can achieve a survival rate of 70–85%.
Yes, licenses from the Fisheries Department, Pollution Control Board, and Coastal Aquaculture Authority (for marine farming) are required.
Yes, schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana offer subsidies up to 60% and financial support.
White Spot Virus, Vibriosis, and Early Mortality Syndrome are common; proper biosecurity helps prevent them.
You can sell to local seafood buyers, exporters, cold-chain vendors, or online B2B platforms.
Yes, with proper training and small-scale biofloc or RAS systems, even small farmers can earn good profits.
