An MPEDA report said the study over a period of 15 months will make a detailed epidemological survey, study shrimp diseases and coastal management in three contrasting areas in terms of farming systems, intensity, environment and socio-economic conditions. The report says, that training and demonstration will be imparted on disease control measures. This will be in three phases. The first phase will be a preliminary survey to assess the disease problems and the present management methods in three major shrimp farming areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This part of the survey has nearly been completed covering 223 farms in three district zones which include the coastal brackish water areas and those in inland.

The second phase would be completed around July 2001, and based on the findings a detailed strategy will be evolved to deal with the diesase and also environemntal problems posed. This phase will also include preparing a detailed code of practice for shrimp farming. The third phase will have more to do with popularising the results of the study among farmers and local authorities. It aims at making a study of the horizontal and vertical transmission of the diseases.

Hatcheries and also broodstock would also come under the purview of the study, the note added. There will also be efforts to develop steps to contain and prevent shrimp disease outbreaks as also early detection of the disease. The study will also examine opportunities for cooperation and self-help among shrimp farmers in the affected areas to contain water quality deterioration and control shrimp diseases.