INDIA AIMS TO EXPAND SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO 1 LAKH CRORES

India is aiming to reach Rs 1 lakh crore in marine product exports in the next two years by increasing its processing capacity, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Current Exports:

1. In 2022-23, India's total marine product exports were $8.09 billion (Rs 63,969 crore).
2. Andhra Pradesh accounts for around 70 per cent of the country’s aquaculture shrimp production.
3. From April to February 2023–24, marine exports from India were $6.8 billion, a 7.5% decline compared to the previous year.
4. The reason for this decline is being said to be the decrease in exports to America and Europe.

Export Target:

• The government has set a target of $9.1 billion for marine exports in 2023-24.

India's Position in Fish Production:

1. India is the second largest aquaculture shrimp producer after Ecuador.
2. India is also the third largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global fish production. In 2021-2022,

Top Export Destinations:

1. United States of America ($2.63 billion or Rs 20600.35 crore)
2. China ($1.508 billion or Rs 11956.91 crore)
3. European Union ($1.26 billion or Rs 10018.38 crore)
4. South East Asian countries ($1.19 billion or Rs 9494.02 crore)

About Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

1. MPEDA is a statutory body established by an act of Parliament in 1972 to promote the marine products industry and boost exports from India.
2. It regulates marine product exports and ensures sustained, quality seafood exports from the country.
3. It was previously the Marine Products Export Promotion Council, which was set up by the Government of India in September 1961.

Functions:

1. Promotion of Marine Products Export: MPEDA's primary task is to promote the export of marine products.
2. Regulation of Off-Shore and Deep-Sea Fishing: MPEDA develops and regulates off-shore and deep-sea fishing and undertakes measures for the conservation and management of these fisheries.
3. Registration of Fishing Vessels, Processing Plants, and Conveyances: MPEDA registers fishing vessels, processing plants, storage premises for marine products, and conveyances used for the transport of marine products.
4. Setting Standards and Specifications: MPEDA fixes standards and specifications for marine products for export purposes.
5. Regulation of Marine Products Export: MPEDA regulates the export of marine products and registers marine products exporters.
6. Quality Control Laboratories: MPEDA has set up five full-fledged Quality Control Laboratories in Kochi, Nellore & Bhimavaram, Bhubaneshwar, and Porbandar. It also has 15 ELISA Screening Laboratories in maritime states.
7. Regional and Sub-Regional Divisions: To reach out to exporters in different parts of the country, MPEDA has set up 18 Regional/Sub-Regional Divisions/Desk offices.
8. Headquarter and Trade Promotion Offices: MPEDA's headquarter is in Kochi, Kerala, and it has trade promotion offices in New Delhi, Tokyo, and New York.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

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