Curbs on seafood exports from India needs discussion

A stringent inspection regime is imposed by the EU Union and Japan on shrimp consignments from India. Andhra Pradesh is known as the major aqua hub whereas Visakhapatnam is the largest export centre for frozen shrimp and other seafood

Visakhapatnam: An air of festivity prevails in Kolkata, the City of Joy as a large contingent of stakeholders from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and other parts will be taking part in the 23rd edition of India International Seafood Show (IISS) beginning on February 15.

The three-day mega event being organised by Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in association with Seafood Exporters’ Association of India (SEAI) will deliberate on the stringent regulations imposed by the European Union and Japan on receiving consignments from India. Andhra Pradesh is known as the major aqua hub whereas Visakhapatnam is the largest export centre for frozen shrimp and other seafood.

Vigorous attempts to regain buoyancy in seafood exports in the post-pandemic phase, in the face of stiff global competition and a stringent inspection regime imposed by the EU Union and Japan on shrimp consignments, will figure during discussions at IISS.

The event is expected to provide an ideal platform for interaction between Indian exporters and overseas importers of the country’s marine products. At the same time, manufacturers and suppliers will display and secure business deals for their processing machinery, packaging systems, processing ingredients, and cold chain systems. In addition, there will be an opening for service providers in the logistics and certifying/testing segments.

The biennial showpiece event in the marine sector is expected to offer a robust platform to various industry stakeholders for inking business deals, forging new contacts, leveraging market linkages, and introducing new technologies and products to the global market. The World and Seafood Basket is the theme of the event being held at the sprawling Biswa Bangala Mela Prangan in Kolkata. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel will inaugurate.

MPEDA Chairman Dodda Venkata Swamy told reporters that the conclave will deliberate on measures to boost seafood production in the post-pandemic phase and chalk out an actionable roadmap for hassle-free exports of quality shrimps and other marine products from India.

He said several initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will promote fish production, thereby increasing the availability of marine products for export. Further, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS) for the food sector is expected to give fillip to the Make in India campaign and enhance the competitiveness of the seafood processing sector.

This scheme is expected to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments and cutting-edge technologies, ensure efficiencies, enhance exports and make the country an integral part of the global supply chain, he said.

An international buyer-seller meet with particular emphasis on G20 countries will be organised along with IISS 2023. A technical session on various developments in the seafood industry and a special technical session on G20 countries will also be arranged parallel to the event.

Swamy said another objective is to highlight the country’s commitment towards sustainability in the entire value chain of seafood products, such as primary production, processing and transportation. It will also deliberate on technological advances in processing, traceability, and value addition to products for export.

SEAI national president Jagdish Fofandi said India is one of the largest producers of aquaculture with catches from pristine seas, has world-class processing facilities, and its seafood is one of the preferred quality products.