Seafood Export and Policies in fishery

Seafood Export

The marine product exports from the country have crossed US $ 1 billion for the fourth consecutive time. The export touched 3,90,738 tonnes valued Rs.5124.6 crores during 1999-2000 registering an increase of 21.84% in terms of volume and 1.5% by value. During the previous year, it was 3, 11,257 tonnes valued at Rs.4368.6 crores. The export mainly consisted of low valued fin fish varieties (35.83%) followed by frozen Shrimp (33.83%), frozen Cephalopods (22.88%) and dried seafood items (2.07%), Japan continues to be the top most importer of Indian seafood shared close to 22.21% of our export in terms of volume and 49.61% by value. The major change noticed in the export trend, during the year is the emergence of South East Asia who continued to be the top most importer of marine products in terms of volume. The other individual markets, which increased their shares during 1999- 2000, are Canada, Mauritius, Australia, Switzerland,Maldives, New Zealand, Reunion, Panama, Venezuela, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Turkey and Malta give the export figures of seafood’s from India to major destinations in the world.

Seafood Export

Policies in Fisheries(Seafood Export)

Foreign equity is permitted in fish processing sector. Fish processing projects with a minimum of 20% value addition can be set up as 100% Export Oriented Units. All items can be exported freely except for silver pomfrets of weight less than 300 gms.

Seafood Export

The Path Ahead(Seafood Export)

The main thrust for fisheries development during the Tenth Plan would be to utilise the full potential of inland fishery resources as well as deep seas to increase per capita consumption to a substantial level from the present level of 9 kg. per head per annum. Special emphasis will be given on : l Increasing the depth of fishing harbours especially for small fishermen using dredgers and the upgradation of hygienic conditions there.

ϖ Strengthening of data base and information networking in the fisheries sector for standardization of methodologies and estimation of catch from https://antibioticspro.com diverse aquatic resources.
ϖ Aquaculture and development of capture fisheries of inland water resources.
ϖ Measures will be taken to increase fish production from the deep sea marine sector.
ϖ Infrastructure development, post-harvest management for marketing by setting up of model fish markets and establishment of cold chain through viable fishermen cooperatives.

ϖ Popularization of pearls developed by CIFA, CMFRI etc. and value added products developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi and Integrated Fisheries Project (IFP), Kochi made out of low value fish with suitable credit/subsidy support.
ϖ Welfare measures for fishers will be strengthened to ensure their safety at sea etc. and also to involve more women in fisheries sector.
ϖ Research & technology needs in fisheries institutes to be upgraded to meet the growing demands
ϖ Formulation of a comprehensive deep sea fishing policy and passing of the Aquaculture Authority Bill in Parliament to be expedited for rational exploitation of deep sea fishery resources and sustainable aquaculture development. Seafood Export
ϖ Strategy for an effective enforcement mechanism is needed to prevent poaching in the EEZ and thereby safeguard our resources.
ϖ Suitable Mari culture programmes need to be undertaken for commercially important fin/ shell fish species for replenishment of resources in our seas.
ϖ Setting up of disease control laboratories and quality certification centres to ensure international standards for fishery products.
ϖ Ethnologically improved fishing boats with proper communication network etc. to be introduced for the benefit of small fishermen.