INTERVIEW with Ramakanth Akula At the heart of our decision was the recognition of the immense potential for the aquaculture sector in India. India's long coastline and favorable tropical climate provided an ideal setting for shrimp farming. However, we observed that the sector was in a very nascent stage and needed a lot of support in building a strong ecosystem. We started off as an integrated aquaculture company with our own farms. To support our farms, we set up a feed plant, a hatchery, and a processing plant. The original plan was to grow shrimp, process, and export – all in-house. We were the first feed plant with pelleting technology in India. Till then, most of the feeds were either conventionally made or imported into the country. We saw a huge opportunity in the sector and embarked on a mission to contribute to the growth of the shrimp farming sector in India. Our entry into the shrimp feed market was marked by a commitment to innovation and quality. We invested in research and development to formulate nutritionally balanced and high-quality shrimp feeds. This commitment to excellence allowed us to gain the trust of shrimp farmers across the country. Today, The Waterbase Limited is not just a feed producer but a comprehensive aquaculture solutions provider. We remain dedicated to our mission of fostering sustainable shrimp farming practices and supporting the livelihoods of countless farmers. Our journey from 1987 to the present has been marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and a commitment to the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Ramakanth Akula is CEO of The Waterbase Limited
AQ: The Waterbase Limited was founded in 1987. How did it all start? Why did the company enter the shrimp feed market? RA: In 1987, The Waterbase Limited embarked on a journey that has led us to become a prominent player in the aquaculture industry today. Our foray into shrimp aquaculture was driven by a combination of factors and a vision for sustainable aquaculture that could provide gainful employment to millions of Indians and also contribute significantly to the country's GDP.
6
AQ: Focusing on shrimp feeds, where is the company today in terms of size, markets served and aquafeed volume? RA: We are a mid-sized player in India today. In terms of size, our installed capacities are over 100,000 MT per annum. Our state-of-the-art production facilities are equipped with advanced pelleting technology to ensure the highest quality. Our feed mills are strategically located in the province of Andhra Pradesh, which contributes to over 70% of the country’s shrimp production. Speaking of markets served, our footprint has extended beyond Andhra Pradesh. We serve aqua farmers in other states like Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Goa. Additionally, we recently started exporting
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 15 Issue 4 2023