As Forrest Gump celebrates its 30th anniversary, many recalls Tom Hanks’ iconic role, but the film also highlighted shrimp, leading to the creation of the Bubba-Gump Shrimp Company restaurant chain. Beyond Hollywood, shrimp has gained significant attention, particularly in India, where recent budget support has bolstered the shrimp farming industry.
Andhra Pradesh, the leading producer of whiteleg shrimp, accounted for over 912,000 tonnes in 2023, far surpassing Odisha’s 46,000 tonnes. The budget’s provisions, including financial support for shrimp farming and reduced customs duties on inputs, reflect the growing importance of shrimp in both exports and domestic consumption.
The history of shrimp consumption has evolved over centuries. While shrimp have long been a staple in coastal communities, their fast decomposition and resemblance to insects limited their broader acceptance. However, advances in freezing technology, pioneered by Clarence Birdseye in the 1920s, revolutionized the shrimp industry by preserving their flavour and making them more accessible.
Despite its popularity, the shrimp industry faces challenges, including poor labour practices and environmental concerns, particularly in Asian countries that supply shrimp to markets like the U.S. The recent budget support for shrimp farming in India underscores the industry’s potential, but it also highlights the need for stricter labour and environmental standards.
As technology and financial backing continue to elevate shrimp farming, there is speculation about whether similar advancements could eventually lead to a broader acceptance of other sustainable protein sources, such as edible insects.