As of the fiscal year 2022-23, India has made significant strides in its seafood export sector. The country exported a total of 1,735,286 tonnes of seafood, generating an impressive revenue of ₹63,969 crore. Among the various seafood products, shrimp emerged as the dominant contributor, accounting for approximately 1.184 lakh tonnes and ₹43,135 crore in export value.
India has set ambitious goals for its seafood export sector. The aim is to elevate the export earnings to $15 billion by the year 2025, a substantial increase from the $7.76 billion recorded in the fiscal year 2021-22. This target reflects the growing acknowledgment of seafood's potential in the global market.
In the realm of shrimp exports, India holds a prominent position. In 2022, it was the leading exporter of shrimp to the United States, surpassing competitors like Ecuador. This leadership highlights India’s significant role in the global seafood trade.
Despite the promising outlook, the seafood production sector faces several challenges. The primary species cultured, the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), is prone to severe disease outbreaks, which can devastate aquaculture systems. This issue poses a significant threat to production sustainability.
The Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has introduced new species that can be cultured and exported. These include mud crabs, seabass, tilapia, pangasius, and cobia. Such diversification is vital for enhancing export potential and ensuring a robust seafood market.
Production levels across different species have shown inconsistency. For example, pangasius production in 2021-22 was recorded at 204,666 metric tonnes, a drop from 301,066 metric tonnes in 2009-10. This inconsistency reflects the challenges in maintaining steady production levels.
Another significant hurdle is the development of aquaculture technology. Many technologies in the fisheries sector struggle due to insufficient investment, leading to limited adoption. Engaging business entities right from the conceptualization stage could enhance technology development and implementation.
Investments in the fisheries sector have the potential to yield considerable economic benefits. They can lead to increased production volumes, improved product quality, and the development of value-added products. This, in turn, boosts rural livelihoods, creates employment opportunities, and enhances income generation.
Investing in scientific research and commercialization of fisheries technologies can significantly contribute to achieving self-reliance in the sector. It can also play a critical role in strengthening India's blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources.
In summary, while the seafood export sector in India encounters various challenges—such as disease management, technology adoption, and production variability—strategic investments and supportive policy frameworks can drive growth and enhance its economic significance.
Q1. What is the current status of India's seafood exports?
Answer: In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported 1,735,286 tonnes of seafood worth ₹63,969 crore, with shrimp being the major contributor.
Q2. What is India’s seafood export goal for 2025?
Answer: India aims to boost its seafood export earnings to $15 billion by 2025, up from $7.76 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22.
Q3. How does India rank in shrimp exports?
Answer: India was the leading exporter of shrimp to the United States in 2022, showcasing its strong position in global markets.
Q4. What challenges does the seafood sector face?
Answer: Key challenges include disease outbreaks in cultured species, technology adoption issues, and inconsistent production levels across various species.
Q5. How can investments in fisheries benefit India?
Answer: Investments can enhance production volumes, improve product quality, and generate employment, ultimately boosting rural livelihoods and economic growth.
Question 1: What was the total value of India's seafood exports in 2022-23?
A) ₹43,135 crore
B) ₹63,969 crore
C) $7.76 billion
D) $15 billion
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which shrimp species is primarily cultivated in India?
A) Black tiger shrimp
B) Pacific white shrimp
C) Indian shrimp
D) Royal Red shrimp
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What new species have been listed by MPEDA for export?
A) Mud crabs and seabass
B) Salmon and trout
C) Catfish and carp
D) Tilapia and mackerel
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: What is the aim of India’s seafood export by 2025?
A) $10 billion
B) $15 billion
C) $12 billion
D) $20 billion
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
