September 13, 2007
India's MPEDA to develop cage farming to counter falling seafood exports
India's Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has announced plans to develop cage farming along India's coast line as part of a three-prong strategy to counter falling seafood exports.
Addressing a press conference in Kochi, Mohan Kumar Chairman of the (MPEDA) said the strategy involves increased exploitation of tuna resources, enhancing the share of value-added products and diversification of aqua products.
India's seafood exports fell by 14 and 16 percent in value and quantity respectively, to Rs 1,431 crore (US$ 346 million) and 94,059 tonnes, during the first quarter of this fiscal year.
The MPEDA set an export target of US$6 billion by the year 2015. Seafood exports last year was US$1.8 billion and is expected to surpass US$2 billion this year.
MPEDA has signed a MoU with Innovation Norway, a Norwegian company promoting cage farming.
The company will assist MPEDA in setting up cage farming operations in support of large-scale production of marine fin fish.
Three pilot projects would be set up, two on the western coast along Maharashtra and Kerala and another one in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Cage farming is seen by a hedge against falling seafood catches from trawling and a better supplement to fishermen's income during seasons when trawling is off-limits.
The scheme is expected to increase farming of fish like seabss, grouper, tilapia and catfish.
MPEDA is also making more commitments towards boosting export growth
The agency has lifted export duty for 29 items under the Food Focus Products Scheme and pumped funds into marketing strategies. It is also launching a brand equity campaign along with a major branding exercise for black tiger prawns and scampi.
MPEDA is also helping small and medium-scale producers to access major retail markets through co-branding and seafood shows.
One of these efforts would be the 16th International Seafood Show to be held in Kochi, February 8, next year.
