Freshwater Prawn (Scampi) Farming Farming in India 2026
Farming the giant freshwater prawn, a premium prawn for domestic and export sale.
Overview
Scampi is the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), a large, prized prawn farmed in freshwater ponds rather than in saline coastal water. It was once a major Indian aquaculture crop, especially in the deltas of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal and the backwaters of Kerala, before disease and slow growth caused production to decline. It remains attractive because scampi fetches premium prices and can be grown in inland freshwater where vannamei cannot. Farming uses hatchery raised post larvae stocked in well prepared ponds and grown over several months on formulated feed, often in polyculture with carps. Scampi is gentler on the environment than intensive shrimp and uses fresh water, but it grows more slowly, has uneven sizes at harvest because of male dominance behaviour, and is sensitive to water quality. It suits inland pond farmers who can manage good water and stocking practices and want a high value crop.
Climate
Scampi is a warm freshwater species and grows well across most of India's plains where water temperatures stay roughly between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius for much of the year. Growth slows or stops in cold winters, so the productive season is shorter in the north. A dependable supply of good quality fresh water and a frost free, warm growing period are the main climatic needs.
Soil
Scampi is grown in earthen freshwater ponds with water retentive clayey or loamy soil, typically about one to one and a half metres deep, with good inlet and drainage. Because prawns live on the pond bottom and are territorial, ponds benefit from added substrate or hides and from larger surface area rather than great depth. A reliable fresh water source, aeration for higher densities, and a pond layout that allows easy harvesting all help.
Planting & Spacing
Prepare and lime the pond, then stock healthy hatchery post larvae or nursery reared juveniles of uniform size from a reliable source. Stocking density is moderate compared with vannamei, kept lower to allow for territorial behaviour and to get better sizes. Nursing post larvae in a separate nursery pond before stocking the grow out pond improves survival. Stock in the cooler part of the day and acclimatise carefully to reduce stress losses.
Varieties
The main farmed species is Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the giant freshwater prawn or scampi. The smaller monsoon river prawn (Macrobrachium malcolmsonii) is also native and farmed in some regions. Use good quality post larvae from a reliable hatchery, and where available, all male or size graded seed can help reduce the size variation caused by male dominance and give a more uniform, higher value harvest.
Care & Management
Maintain good pond water by monitoring oxygen, pH, temperature and clarity, manuring as advised to keep natural food, and using aeration at higher densities. Feed a quality sinking pellet because prawns feed on the bottom, and use feed checks to avoid waste and pollution. Provide hides or substrate to reduce cannibalism, watch for moulting periods when prawns are vulnerable, and keep predators out. Steady, clean water and careful feeding give the best growth and survival.
Pests & Diseases
Scampi is generally hardier than marine shrimp but can suffer from poor water quality, low oxygen, bacterial and fungal infections, and parasites, especially under stress or crowding. Cannibalism during moulting and predation by birds and fish also cause losses. Prevention means good water management, correct stocking density, hides or substrate, careful feeding and predator control. Avoid routine chemicals, keep the pond clean, and consult a fisheries officer if disease appears.
Yield & Harvest
Scampi takes longer than vannamei, commonly around six to eight months to reach a good market size, with sizes uneven because of male dominance. Yields are modest, often in the range of a few hundred kilograms per hectare per crop in pond culture, higher with better management and aeration. Many farmers use selective or cull harvesting, removing larger prawns and letting smaller ones grow on. All yields are indicative and depend strongly on seed, water and management.
Cost & Profit
Pond construction, seed, feed, aeration and labour make up the main costs, with cost of production often reported around 150 to 175 rupees per kg. Scampi sells at premium prices because of its large size and quality, so returns can be good when survival and sizes are healthy, but the slower growth and uneven sizes reduce yield per crop. Profit depends heavily on seed quality, water management and market price. Treat all figures as rough indications that vary by region and year.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Scampi is sold fresh in domestic urban markets, to hotels and restaurants, and through processors for export, where large head on prawns fetch good prices. Domestic demand for big freshwater prawns is strong in many cities. Because sizes vary, grading prawns by size before sale improves returns. Line up buyers or processors before harvest, and consider farmer groups to negotiate better prices for graded, quality scampi.
Subsidy & Support
Freshwater prawn farming is supported as an aquaculture activity under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), covering ponds, hatcheries and inputs, through the NFDB and state fisheries departments. Government assistance is generally up to 40 percent of unit cost for general category and up to 60 percent for SC, ST and women beneficiaries. Apply through your district fisheries office, and confirm current unit costs, eligibility and any seed support schemes with them.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How is scampi different from vannamei shrimp?
Why are scampi sizes uneven at harvest?
How long does scampi take to grow?
Can I grow scampi with carp fish?
Where can I sell scampi?
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