Seafood exports from Visakhapatnam, which tops in exporting frozen shrimp, will get a fillip with Export Inspection Agency (EIA) deciding to set up a state-of-the art testing lab and office complex in the city.
Owing to absence of testing facility, the exporters used to send their consignments to Chennai or Kolkata for certification on quality. The EIA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce. Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation has allotted 1,001 square metres for the project at Gambheeram on the city outskirts. Union Minister of State for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman has consented to lay foundation stone for the lab and office complex on September 20, an official of Ministry of Commerce told The Hindu. “Though the cost is yet to be finalised, it will be a model among all labs,” he stated.
Visakhapatnam exported seafood valued at Rs.7,578 crore during 2014-15. The city had a share of 11 per cent in total quantity exported from the country and 11.03 per cent in value.
For seafood exports, the United States is the largest market with a share of 26.04 per cent followed by South East Asia 25.71 per cent, the European Union 20.08 per cent, Japan 9.11 per cent, Middle East 6.04 per cent and China 4.02 per cent.
Marine Product Export Development Agency has set a target to double its exports to $10 billion by 2020. According to the annual report released by MPEDA for 2014-15, Visakhapatnanam has a lion’s share in the total exports of seafood mostly frozen shrimp. During the year, India exported 10,51,243 tonne amounting to Rs.33,441 crore accounting for a growth of 6.86 per cent in quantity and 10.69 per cent in rupee value.
Demand for airlifting
The demand for airlifting seafood from Visakhapatnam is growing as it will ensure a good price to the exporters.
The proposal is under consideration for past few months by SilkAir and Malindo Air, which already have flight connectivity from the city to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Vizag Member of Parliament K. Haribabu and representatives of the fishing industry have been making the suggestion for airlifting facility from Visakhapatnam International Airport for a long time.
Tuna, which is exported from the city, is purchased by agents based in Kerala at Rs.100 to Rs.200 per kg.
If it is airlifted, it can fetch up to Rs.500 to Rs.600 depending on the size and quality of the tuna. Industry sources say there is a scope to airlift a minimum quantity of 2,000 tonne tuna per month from the city.
