Why is it in the news?

• India has vehemently denied allegations of abusive conditions at shrimp hatcheries, as reported by a Chicago-based human rights group.

 About Shrimp Production

• In 2022-23, India’s seafood exports reached $8.09 billion, with shrimp contributing significantly at $5.6 billion, showcasing its importance in India’s export sector.
• India has become one of the leading shrimp exporters globally, with a notable increase in its share in the U.S. market, rising from 21% to 40% in 2022-23.
• India surpasses countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Ecuador in shrimp production and export, highlighting its competitiveness in the global market.
• Andhra Pradesh hosts around a lakh shrimp farms, contributing to almost 70% of India’s total shrimp output, indicating a significant concentration of shrimp farming activity in the region.