August 17, 2009

Indian shrimp farmers urged to harvest early

Seafood exporters in Andhra Pradesh, south-eastern India, are advising shrimp farmers to go for early harvesting in order to meet their export requirements. 

Of about Rs1,500 crore worth of marine exports from the state, about 75 percent is tiger shrimp, which comes from aquaculture.

AP Seafood Exporters Association president Surya Rao said they are getting major orders for 40-count and 50-count tiger shrimp, adding that international prices are very attractive for these count shrimp, hence, aqua farmers are urged to go for early harvesting.

This is despite the reported warning by the EU that it would ban imports from India due to detection of an antibiotic residue, presence of bacteria, traces of heavy metals and unhygienic condition of the products.

About 120,000 acres are covered under aquaculture in the state. During this season, the tiger shrimp yield per acre is about one tonne. Exporters are currently offering Rs300 per kg for 30-count tiger shrimp, Rs240 to Rs250 for 40-count shrimp and Rs200 to Rs210 for 50-count shrimp.

Rao expected some drop in the international prices in the months of July and August, but due to short supply of 40-count and 50-count shrimp from other countries, importers in Japan, US and EU countries have not reduced prices for the Indian shrimp.

Of the Rs8,600 crore marine exports from the country during the last fiscal, exports worth of Rs5,054 crore went to Japan, US and EU countries.