 "Liberalised FDI policy to boost fish processing industry")
The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the fisheries sector coordinating agency under the Ministry of Commerce, is betting big on aquaculture diversification, quality control, value addition and improved production infrastructure to achieve an export figure $5.6 billion marine products in 2016-17, after a slump in exports in the last financial year.
It expects the industry to reverse the decline in seafood exports during the last financial year which saw 945,892 MT of seafood export valued at $4.7 billion.
"Aquaculture is a very significant area for marine exports as far as India is concerned and our efforts are geared towards greater technology inputs and product diversification in this area," said A Jayathilak, MPEDA Chairman.
"Our higher target for exports this year is in part due to increased production of globally in-demand seafood produce such as white leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp, and diversification of aquaculture species particularly of Mangrove Crab and Tilapia", he added. India targets to achieve an export turnover of $10 billion by the year 2020
The MPEDA is supporting shrimp culture through cluster farming approach. More than 10,000 farmers have been organised into aquasocieties who are implementing 'Better Management Practices'. The aquasocieties are also helping the farmers to access credit, quality seeds, feeds and other inputs, reducing the burden of diseases and improving product quality.
The 20th edition of the India International Seafood Show (IISS) will take off from September 23 at port city Visakhapatnam. IISS will highlight India's immense potential and capability in the fisheries sector.
The three day event will be inaugurated by Union minister of state (independent charge) for Commerce & Industry , Nirmala Sitaraman. M Venkiah Naidu, Union minister for Urban Development, Information & Broadcasting and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Union minister of state for Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Y S Chowdary and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu will also attend the mega event.
USA, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Spain, UK, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Thailand are some of the major participants in the event.
"Around 200 overseas visitors and 1250 Indian delegates have already registered for the show, while a spot registration of about 500 visitors and over 2000 visitors are expected," said Jayathilak. 117 Indian companies will also participate.
