June 4, 2007

India's seafood exports rise 12 percent

India's exports of seafood rose 12 percent to US$1.85 billion in fiscal year 2006-07, with exports to China growing strongly. 

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh called the achievement a 'turnaround' for seafood exports.

Ramesh revealed that China now accounts for 14 percent of India's seafood exports while the EU accounted for 34 percent. The US and Japan each made up 16 per cent.

With frozen shrimp accounting for 55 percent of seafood exported, it was necessary to ensure that shrimps are free from diseases, he added.

To ensure that, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has spent Rs 200 million (US$4.9 million) on a biosecure zone in the Andaman Islands where disease-free shrimp stock can be cultivated. The stock would be available in the hatcheries in the country by 2009.

Ramesh said he would also look into how tuna exports could be further strengthened.

The government also planned to start aquaculture projects in three more states - Gujarat, Maharastra and Orissa ¨Cfocusing mainly on prawns to complement the aquaculture projects at Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu at present.