The potential to increase marine product exports to $5.6 billion in 2016-17, nearly an increase by 20 per cent will be showcased at the India International Seafood Show (IISS) being organised here from September 23 to 25. The focus of the biennial event will be on thrust being laid on diversification, quality control, value addition and augmenting of infrastructure to improve India’s exports. Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the broad fisheries sector coordinating agency under the Ministry of Commerce, is confident of putting a stop to the declining trend experienced last fiscal when total seafood exports stood at 9,45,892 tonne worth $ 4.7 billion. IISS 2016, the 20th edition of one of the oldest and largest seafood events in Asia will focus on safe and sustainable Indian aquaculture’ to highlight the technological advances and sustainable practices followed in capture and culture fisheries in India, to ensure quality of seafood produced for both domestic and export market. 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. He said India’s performance would improve due to growth in demand for internationally for whiteleg and black tiger shrimps and diversification of aquaculture species particularly of mangrove crab and tilapia.
2016, The Hindu