The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Netting a huge catch through diversification

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 07, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Netting a huge catch through diversification

By Santosh Patnaik

VISAKHAPATNAM: Contrary to apprehensions, tsunami will not have an adverse impact on seafood exports. Exporters feel that with diversification of the industry in the take-off stage, 2005 will fetch them good overseas business. Several entrepreneurs are now setting up cold storage facilities to ensure regulated marketing of tuna, which is available aplenty in deep sea, and take up export of value-added fish.

Several mechanised boats have also responded positively to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)'s initiative for diversification. For this, the mechanised boat owners have to change their deck layout and operation system comprising net and eco-sounders with an investment of Rs.3 lakhs to Rs.3.5 lakhs per vessel.

Anti-dumping duty

"We could not have a roller-coaster ride last year due to fears over anti-dumping duties. With the announcement to levy 9.45 per cent as anti-dumping duty, we expect that the exports will firm up further," says T. Raghunatha Reddy, general secretary of Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).

The exporters are contesting the imposition of 9.45 per cent duty. Based on their petition, the International Trade Commission (ITC) is expected give its order any time. "We are confident of doing well this year as the initial reports show that we are doing fairly well in the US," he says.

The price of black tiger shrimp is also on the up. Exporters say that they would better their performance during the current fiscal. The total turnover of exports last year was Rs. 6,800 crores. India stands third in seafood exports with China and Vietnam occupying first and second slots.

Sorry tale of shrimp

Owing to overexploitation and shrimp-oriented approach by deep-sea trawler and boat operators, the population of shrimp is dwindling. According to unofficial estimates, the shrimp population has come down from 30 per cent to three per cent. It is said that about 1.6 lakh tonnes of valuable fish is being thrown back into the waters by the trawlers.

Now the industry is focussing on optimum utilisation of valuable fish. Miscellaneous fish (cheap fish) also has a good demand in the export market, apart from the domestic market.

Incentives sought

The industry feels that MPEDA and other agencies should simplify the procedures by slashing duties and ensuring speedy clearances. Incentives for diversified catch like cattle fish, other fin fishes and value-added products like sausages, fillets, biscuits, vapours and cutlets will not only bolster the foreign exchange earning but also provide more employment opportunities for the fisherfolk.

"In the larger interests of the industry, the authorities should give 25 per cent subsidy, the amount being spent by the mechanised boats through self-finance on diversification of vessels," says P. Ch. Appa Rao, a mechanised boat operator.

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