A shrimp crop calendar is a systematic timeline that guides farmers through the stages of shrimp farming, ensuring effective management, healthy shrimp growth, and optimal yields.

It includes activities categorized into pre-stocking, stocking, and post-stocking phases.

1. Pre-Stocking Phase  :

         Duration: 3–4 weeks

• Pond Preparation:
• Drying the pond to remove unwanted organisms and pathogens.
• Applying lime to adjust soil pH.
• Desilting and leveling the pond bottom.
• Water Preparation:
• Filling the pond with clean water and treating it with chlorine or other disinfectants.
• Adding probiotics to establish a favorable microbial environment.
• Fertilizing to promote the growth of natural feed (phytoplankton and zooplankton).
• Water Testing:
• Monitoring pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and temperature.

2. Stocking Phase

         Duration: Initial stocking to Week 1

• Seed Selection:
• Procure disease-free and healthy post-larvae (PL) from a certified hatchery.
• Acclimatization:
• Gradually adapt the shrimp seeds to pond water temperature and salinity.
• Stocking:
• Stock the pond early in the morning or late evening to minimize stress on the shrimp.

3. Post-Stocking Phase

         Duration: 3–5 months (depending on shrimp species)

Weekly Management Activities:

• Water Quality Monitoring:
• Check pH (6.8–8.5), dissolved oxygen (≥5 ppm), ammonia, and salinity levels regularly.
• Feed Management:
• Provide balanced feed (pellets) in multiple rations based on shrimp size and growth stage.
• Monitor feed conversion ratio (FCR).
• Pond Maintenance:
• Remove sludge periodically to prevent water contamination.
• Maintain aerators to ensure oxygenation.

4. Mid-Cycle Activities (Month 2–3):

• Shrimp Health Checks:
• Conduct routine sampling to monitor shrimp growth and detect diseases.
• Administer probiotics and other health supplements as needed.
• Water Exchange:
• Partial water exchange to maintain water quality.

5. Harvesting Phase

         Duration: Final Month (Week 18–22)

• Pre-Harvest Preparation:
• Reduce feeding a few days before harvesting.
• Check market requirements (size and weight preferences).
• Harvesting:
• Use nets or drain the pond to collect shrimp.
• Transfer shrimp to ice immediately to maintain quality.
• Post-Harvest Pond Management:
• Clean and prepare the pond for the next cycle.

Advantages of a Shrimp Crop Calendar:

• Ensures timely completion of tasks.
• Reduces risk of diseases and crop loss.
• Optimizes feed and water management.
• Improves shrimp health and quality.
• Increases overall profitability.