April 8, 2020
India's seafood exports to rise as Japan lifts shrimp inspection
India may see an increase in seafood exports to Japan after the country lifted inspection order for Indian black tiger shrimps.
The inspection order has been lifted by Japan after export consignments of black tiger shrimps were found free from any residue of synthetic anti-bacterial drug furazolidone, a release by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) said.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has also reduced import inspection sampling for black tiger shrimps to 30% from the existing 100%.
Black Tiger shrimp, which is also known as the giant tiger prawn or Asian tiger shrimp, forms a key part of India's marine product exports. It is one of the most popular seafood delicacies across the world.
Around 40% of India's black tiger shrimp is exported to Japan. The seafood also finds buyers in the EU and the US.
MPEDA welcomed the decision by the Japanese government.
"It is a validation of the relentless efforts undertaken by the MPEDA in raising the request at various platforms and through its trade promotion office in Tokyo," said KS Srinivas, chairman of MPEDA.
Through its field offices and the National Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, MPEDA has been educating farmers on better management practices.
Srinivas said the decision by Japan will give an impetus to the farming and export of black tiger shrimps, overshadowed by the mass production of exotic Vannamei shrimps variety during the last 10 years.