Indian seafood exports are seen robust and estimated to increase substantially due to higher demand for vannamei shrimps as other countries in South East Asia battle the early mortality syndrome (EMS). During financial year 2013-14, exports of marine products reached an all-time high of $5007.70 million.
Total seafood exports in FY13 aggregated to 9,28,215 tonne valued at R18,856.26 crore or $ 3511.67 million. Marine product exports crossed all previous records in volume, rupee value and $ terms largely due to impressive performance by aquaculture exports, Anwar Hashim, MD of Abad Fisheries and former president of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, told FE. ?Production of vannamei has helped Indian exports in remaining competitive. EMS in other countries helped India capture a larger share and hopefully we would see better performance this fiscal,? he added.
The overall export of shrimp in 2013-14 was to the tune of 3, 01,435 tonne worth $3210.94 million. The contribution of cultured shrimp to the total shrimp export is 73.31% in dollar terms. The export of cultured shrimp has shown growth of 36.71 % in quantity and 92.29 % in dollar terms.
The export of vannamei has shown growth to 1,75,071 tonne from 91,171 tonne and $1,994.27 million from $731.01 million compared to 2012-13. The export of vannamei recorded a growth of 92.03% in quantity and 172.81% in dollar terms. More than 44% of vannamei shrimp was exported to the US followed by 17.07% to EU, 16.54% to South East Asian countries and 4.01% to Japan in dollar terms. Export of black tiger shrimp reduced from $521.33 million to $435.79 million and 61,177 tonne to 34,133 tonne compared to last year.
Rabobank estimates Indian vannamei production to increase fivefold in the near future.Rabobank reports that India, among others, has the potential to increase shrimp production many times its current production due to its large river systems providing ideal shrimp farming conditions.
Meanwhile, fish landing from the vast Indian coast has declined in 2013 by 4% to touch 3.78 million tonne when compared to 2012. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute reports that five states, including Kerala, witnessed decreased landings whereas six states and Union Territories saw enhanced landings. The fall is mainly due to dip in the landings of Indian oil sardines.
