The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will raise seafood exports from $5 billion to $10 billion in the next three years As part of the initiative, officials will meet stakeholders and take up issues such improving production, development of harbours, maintenance of quality and popularising of seafood, which is in good demand in coastal districts.
Besides, MPEDA officials are holding training sessions for aqua farmers to give them tips on cultivating high-quality yields. Incidentally, the officials explained the problems facing aqua farmers to Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during her recent visit to Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, MPEDA Chairperson Leena Nair said India was earning nearly $300 billion in foreign exchange through exports (of all commodities) to which MPEDA is contributing $5 billion.
Disease-free seed “We explained our plans to Ms. Sitharaman when she visited Visakhapatnam recently. She interacted with farmers, hatchery operators, processors and exporters and enquired about their problems. She also promised all possible help from the government. The MPEDA, in turn, promised all stakeholders to supply high-quality specific pathogen free seed, besides reducing duty and encouraging exporters,” Ms. Nair said.
MPEDA Vijayawada Deputy Director (Aquaculture) S. Kandan said India was currently exporting shrimp, shell fish, fin fish, live ornamental fish, Indian Squid, molluscs (cuttlefish), crab varieties, pomfret varieties, tuna, seer fish, sea-bass and grouper. Moreover, officials encourage farmers to raise some varieties in tanks along the coast.
“We are currently exporting seafood to US, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia and other European, South and Middle East countries. Moreover, the MPEDA is searching for new market avenues,” Dr. Kandan said.
