The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in India and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAORAP), in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), conducted the second of three joint sessions titled "Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia and the Pacific." The session was organized under the European Union (EU) Tripartite Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) project to increase private sector engagement in addressing AMR. The workshop was attended by over 60 participants, including aquaculture shrimp producers, shrimp hatcheries, seafood processors, feed manufacturers, and network centres for sustainable aquaculture.

In the inaugural session, Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, emphasized the critical need to address AMR in food production. He stated, "Addressing antimicrobial resistance is crucial for the sustainability of aquaculture. FAO is committed to promoting best practices, enhancing biosecurity, and encouraging responsible antimicrobial use. The private sector plays a vital role in these efforts, and collaborative initiatives among all stakeholders are essential to effectively combat AMR and ensure the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry."

D Venkata Swamy, Chairman of MPEDA, elaborated on the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the organization across the value chain to ensure farmed shrimp are free from antibiotics. He stated, "MPEDA plays a pivotal role in pre-harvest testing of shrimp for antibiotics, guaranteeing safe and quality shrimp for export. Our rigorous standards and commitment to quality have enabled India to become the largest exporter of farmed shrimp to the US."

Dr Sanu Jacob, Director of FSSAI, highlighted the critical importance of shrimp farming within our food system. "The rising threat of AMR poses significant risks to food safety and the integrity of our food systems. It is imperative that we implement stringent measures to combat AMR, ensuring that our shrimp products are safe for consumption and meet the highest standards of quality and safety," shared Dr Jacob.

The one-day discussion emphasized the economic impact of AMR and the regulatory measures for its control in India. The workshop also delved into the current and future roles of the private sector in combating AMR, highlighted the benefits and challenges of public-private partnerships, and explored potential pathways for collaboration to address AMR effectively.

Notable participants from the private sector included representatives from major shrimp exporters like Devi Seafoods, Nekkanti Sea Foods Limited, CP Aquaculture Private Limited, Sandhya Aqua Exporters, Growel Feeds, Vista Processed Foods, and Cargill Animal Nutrition. The public sector was represented by Dr Jayagopal, Deputy Director of MPEDA; Dr Girraj Singh, Assistant Director of FSSAI Delhi; Dr Madhusudana Rao, Principal Scientist at the Central Institute for Fishery Technology (CIFT); and officers from the local MPEDA offices in Andhra Pradesh.

This joint initiative for aquaculture aims to deepen understanding of AMR among private sector representatives, highlight its impact on their operations, and explore their role in addressing the issue. By fostering partnerships between the private and public sectors, the initiative provides sustainable solutions and establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration. These efforts will enhance the capacity to tackle emerging challenges and support long-term food security and safety.

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