May 14, 2007

India's state of Gujarat to export tiger shrimp

Shrimp producers in the Indian state of Gujarat are expecting 3,500 tonnes of tiger prawn, a 25 percent hike in production this month.

Shrimp farmers are confident that their produce would meet the demand from Asia, the US, Europe and South Africa.

Shrimp farming is prevalent in south Gujarat districts.

The three biggest seafood export houses from Mumbai aim to bag almost the entire crop worth INR 910 million (US$22.2 million).

Forstar Food in Mumbai would export around 1,000 tonnes while another Mumbai-exporter, Naik Seafoods, will source around 1,500 tonnes from the state. The third company, Castle Rock Fisheries will source around 1,000 tonnes.

Naik seafoods initially ordered 1,000 tonnes but decided to increase procurement due to the rise in production.

The Surat district, which produces almost half the tiger prawns in the state, is expanding production, with 100 new shrimp ponds added in 2006-07.