Which Place Is Known as the Shrimp Capital of India?

India is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of shrimp, supplying seafood to major international markets. Shrimp farming has become a vital part of India’s coastal economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings. Among all shrimp-producing regions, one district stands out for its massive production scale and export orientation, earning it the title of the Shrimp Capital of India.

Shrimp Capital of India

Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is known as the Shrimp Capital of India. The district leads the country in shrimp farming area, production volume, and export-linked aquaculture activities, making it the most important shrimp-producing region in India.

Why Is Nellore Called the Shrimp Capital of India?

Nellore is called the Shrimp Capital of India because it has the highest concentration of shrimp farms in the country. The region benefits from a long coastline, abundant brackish water resources, fertile coastal plains and favourable climatic conditions. These factors allow year-round shrimp cultivation with high productivity and consistent output.

Where Is Nellore Located?

Nellore is located along the southeastern coast of India in Andhra Pradesh, bordering the Bay of Bengal. The district lies between the Pennar River basin and the coastal plains, providing ideal saline and semi-saline water conditions required for shrimp aquaculture.

Importance of Shrimp Farming in Nellore’s Economy

Shrimp farming is the backbone of Nellore’s coastal economy. Thousands of farmers depend on aquaculture as their primary source of income. The sector also supports allied industries such as hatcheries, feed manufacturing, cold storage, processing plants, transport services, and export logistics.

Shrimp Species Cultivated in Nellore

The most widely cultivated species in Nellore is Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). It is preferred due to its fast growth rate, disease resistance and high international demand. Black tiger shrimp is also farmed on a smaller scale, mainly for niche markets.

Largest Shrimp Producing State in India

Andhra Pradesh is the largest shrimp-producing state in India. It accounts for the majority of the country’s farmed shrimp production, with Nellore, Prakasam, and Krishna districts leading output. The state has become the heart of India’s aquaculture revolution.

India’s Position in the Global Shrimp Market

India is one of the world’s top shrimp-exporting countries. Indian shrimp is valued globally for its quality, size uniformity, and compliance with international food safety standards. Nellore’s production strength plays a key role in maintaining India’s competitive position in the global shrimp trade.

Current status of shrimp production in India

As of late 2025, India’s shrimp exports faced a pivot. High US tariffs led to a dip in US exports (-26% in Oct 2025), but this was offset by growth in China and EU markets. 

Interesting Facts About Nellore 

Aquaculture Powerhouse

Nellore has thousands of shrimp ponds spread across its coastal mandals, forming the largest continuous shrimp farming region in the country.

Export-Oriented Farming

Most shrimp produced in Nellore is grown specifically for international export markets, following strict quality and traceability standards.

Vannamei Shrimp Hub

The district is one of India’s largest producers of Whiteleg shrimp, which dominates India’s seafood export basket.

Employment Generator

Shrimp farming and allied industries provide direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people, supporting rural livelihoods.

Technology-Driven Aquaculture

Modern farming techniques such as aeration systems, water quality testing and scientific feed management are widely adopted in the region.

Read more: Which Place Is Known as the Coconut Island of India?

Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is known as the Shrimp Capital of India because of its unmatched shrimp farming scale, export leadership, and advanced aquaculture practices. Keep reading for more such topics.