Evaluating Sustainability: A Social Cost-Benefit Analysis of Shrimp Aquaculture Practices in Kerala

Kerala is blessed with an abundance of freshwater and brackish water rivers, estuaries, backwaters, and interconnecting backwaters. These bodies of water add to the inland production and make the land lush and fertile. As per the ‘State Wise Area Utilized and Production of Tiger Shrimp 2020-21’ data of MPEDA Kerala has 2813.85ha area under culture in hectares and 1128.98 estimated production in tonnes. In the last decades its development has attracted considerable attention because of its export potential. During the study period (2017-18), Kerala produced an estimated 2,952.56 metric tonnes of farmed shrimp annually, out of which 26.34 percent were produced scientifically and the remaining 73.66 percent were produced traditionally. State fishery sector is also promoting ‘one paddy one shrimp farming’ project as it is suitable for coastal wetland economy like Kerala. Consequently, shrimp aquaculture sector plays a major role in the coastal wetland economy of Kerala, which has 234 prawn filtration fields covering 12873ha and 65213ha of brackish water area. ‘Sustainable blue economy’ states that shrimp aquaculture contributes to food security, social status, livelihood for the poor, women's empowerment through employment, increased family income, and purchasing power to the Kerala economy, it is necessary to question the sustainability of the Kerala shrimp aquaculture sector, particularly in light of the micro plastic pollution caused by current shrimp aquaculture practices. Kerala is a top producer of shrimp raised in aquaculture due to its abundant backwater and estuary water bodies. There are claims that the amount of shrimp consumed domestically is also rising. Exposure to Micro plastics poses a severe risk to the health and well-being of regular shrimp users. Using Soya Bean Meal (SBM), a reasonably priced and sustainable substitute for artificial fish feed becomes necessary. In light of this, this paper conducts a sustainability analysis based on social cost-benefit analysis of the feeding practices currently used by the shrimp aquaculture industry in Kerala.