Rajamanohar Somasundaram

Alternative proteins are often cited as being better – environmentally, ethically and nutritionally – than farmed seafoods, but the reality is much more complex and far less clear-cut than some alt-protein evangelists realise.

Indian aquaculture producers need better guidance from aquatech companies as well as access to government subsidies to help secure their productivity and livelihoods.

A range of emerging technologies offers aquaculture practitioners vital help to improve both their productivity and profitability, as well as ramp up the overall sustainability of the industry.

Although India is the world's second largest aquaculture producer, harvesting 15 million tonnes a year, post-harvest chains are plagued by a lack of transparency and inefficient value chains.

The ambitions, and profits, of Indian aquaculture operators are constantly undermined by poor access to reasonable loans. However, the adoption of new technologies can help to de-risk investments in the sector by mainstream lenders.

In the first instalment of a new series, Rajamanohar Somasundaram, founder and CEO of Aquaconnect*, reflects on year that has been challenging for India’s aquaculture sector, but which strengthens the case for the increased use of technology in fish and shrimp…