Marine product exports
from India are projected to increase nearly 20% to USD 5.6 billion in 2016-17,
particularly with strides in aquaculture diversification, quality control,
value addition and improved production infrastructure— all of which will be
demonstrated at the upcoming biennial India International Seafood Show (IISS) in
Vishakhapatnam.
The Marine Products Export
Development Authority (MPEDA), the broad fisheries sector coordinating agency
under the Ministry of Commerce, expects the industry will reverse the decline
from last fiscal when total seafood exports stood at 945,892 MT worth US$ 4.7
billion.
IISS 2016, the 20th
edition of one of the oldest and largest seafood events in Asia which will be
on from September 23-25, is focusing on "Safe and Sustainable Indian
Aquaculture" to highlight the technological advances and sustainable
practices followed in capture & culture fisheries in India, to ensure
quality of seafood produced for both domestic and export market.
The USA and South
East Asia are the major importers of Indian seafood and frozen shrimp continued
to be the major export item last year, followed by frozen fish.
Small and marginal
farmers in India, who contribute to the bulk of coastal aquaculture are
organising to stave off competition from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam
by boosting production and adopting global standard marketing strategies such
as certification, traceability and eco-labelling.
“Aquaculture is a
very significant area for marine exports as far as India is concerned and our
efforts are geared towards greater technology inputs and product
diversification in this area,” said Dr A Jayathilak, MPEDA Chairman, “Our
higher target for exports this year is in part due to increased production of
globally in-demand seafood produce such as Whiteleg Shrimp and Black Tiger
Shrimp, and diversification of aquaculture species particularly of Mangrove
Crab and Tilapia.”
The MPEDA is actively
supporting shrimp culture through cluster farming approach. More than 10,000
farmers have been organized into aquasocieties that implements Better
Management Practices. The aquasocieties also help the farmers access credit,
quality seeds, feeds and other inputs, reducing the burden of diseases and
improving product quality.
While Aquaculture
will be in the spotlight at the IISS 2016, the show will also focus on new
technologies, production infrastructure and value-added products. The MPEDA
says increasing export of value added exports to about half of the total
quantity is a key component of the marine products export plan of India.
IISS 2016, organised
by the MPEDA in partnership with the Seafood Exporters Association of India
(SEAI) at the Port Trust Diamond Jubilee stadium in Vishakhapatnam, will also
be a major platform for business interactions. It is expected to pave the way
for foreign direct investment in India and contribute significantly to the
‘Make in India’ programme.
The event will see
participation from countries including USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium,
Finland, Sweden, Japan, Vietnam, The Netherlands, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan,
Germany and China.
International and
domestic exhibitors will showcase their products and services to a potential
global market and explore leads and partnerships. Of the 290 stalls booked at
the exhibition, more than 70 are from foreign companies.
For details visit: http://www.indianseafoodexpo.com/
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MJPS