Seafood Of India

Blog Post

India’s Frozen Shrimp Exports Under Threat: US CVD Imposes Significant Challenges

The Indian seafood industry, particularly the frozen shrimp export sector, is facing a significant hurdle as the United States has imposed hefty countervailing duties (CVD) on imports from India. This development threatens to disrupt the lucrative trade relationship between the two countries and has the potential to impact livelihoods of thousands of Indian fish farmers and exporters. The US CVD: A Blow to Indian Shrimp Exports The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated a countervailing duty investigation into Indian shrimp imports, citing unfair trade practices and government subsidies provided to the Indian aquaculture sector. The CVD, imposed in 2024, ranges from 7.02% to 11.03% on imports from various Indian companies. This substantial tariff increase has raised concerns within the Indian seafood industry about the future viability of exports to the US market, which accounts for a significant portion of India’s seafood exports. Impact on Indian Seafood Industry The CVD has far-reaching consequences for India’s seafood sector: Negotiations and Challenges India has expressed its displeasure over the CVD, arguing that it is unjustified and based on flawed calculations. The government is actively engaging in negotiations with the US government to resolve the issue and seek a favorable outcome for the Indian seafood industry. However, several challenges remain: Industry Response and Mitigation Strategies The Indian seafood industry is actively seeking ways to mitigate the impact of the CVD: Long-Term Implications The CVD is a significant setback for India’s seafood industry, but it also serves as a reminder of the need to focus on long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Investing in research and development, adopting sustainable practices, and diversifying export markets are essential to build resilience against future trade challenges. The Indian government and industry stakeholders must work together to find solutions to the CVD issue and ensure the long-term viability of the Indian seafood sector. This includes advocating for fair trade practices, promoting sustainable aquaculture, and strengthening the competitiveness of Indian products in the global market. Beyond the Trade Dispute The CVD issue highlights the broader challenges facing the Indian seafood sector. It underscores the need for: Conclusion The US CVD on Indian shrimp exports is a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for the Indian seafood industry to adapt, innovate, and become more resilient. By focusing on sustainable practices, diversification, and technology adoption, India can emerge stronger from this trade dispute and solidify its position as a major player in the global seafood market.

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Revitalizing India’s Seaweed Industry: New Guidelines for Importing Live Seaweeds

In a pivotal move to enhance the development of seaweed enterprises, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has notified the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’. This initiative is designed to bolster the economic prospects of coastal villages, ensure livelihood sustainability for the fisher community, and uphold environmental protection and biosecurity. Addressing Key Challenges in Seaweed Production Currently, India’s seaweed industry faces significant challenges, including the limited availability of high-quality seed materials and the degradation of seed quality, particularly for the widely farmed Kappaphycus species. These new guidelines aim to address these issues by facilitating the import of high-quality seed materials or germplasm from abroad, enabling domestic multiplication and ensuring farmers have access to quality seed stock[1][3][5]. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) The PMMSY, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, is at the forefront of this initiative. The scheme aims to revolutionize the seaweed sector by increasing India’s seaweed production to over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. Key initiatives under PMMSY include the establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, with a total investment of Rs 127.7 crore. This park is expected to significantly strengthen seaweed farming activities in the region[1][2][5]. Comprehensive Regulatory Framework The guidelines outline a clear and transparent process for importing live seaweed, ensuring strict adherence to biosecurity and environmental protection. Here are the key components of the regulatory framework: Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Cultivation The guidelines are designed to encourage environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial seaweed cultivation. The import of new seaweed strains will stimulate research and development, leading to enhanced production of various seaweed species, including red, brown, and green algae. This will pave the way for the development of downstream seaweed processing and value addition enterprises, creating additional livelihood opportunities in coastal villages and boosting the country’s exports[1][2][5]. Potential and Impact India has the potential to produce around 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed per year, as identified by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). However, current production stands at a mere 34,000 tonnes, which is only 0.01% of global production. These new guidelines aim to bridge this gap by promoting domestic seaweed cultivation and reducing reliance on imports[4][5]. In conclusion, the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’ mark a significant step towards revitalizing the seaweed industry in India. By ensuring the safe and responsible importation of high-quality seed materials, these guidelines will contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of coastal communities, enhance environmental sustainability, and drive economic growth in the sector.

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ICAR-CIFT Earns Prestige as Newly Declared Centre of Excellence in Food Authenticity

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) has been officially recognized as a Centre of Excellence in Food Authenticity. This notable designation was announced during a national workshop titled “Food Authenticity and Traceability using Omics Techniques,” held at the institute as part of the ICAR-NASF Foodomics Project in partnership with Waters India Pvt. Ltd. Advancing Food Authentication and Quality Assurance This achievement highlights a significant advancement in food authentication research and quality assurance within India, particularly focusing on the fisheries sector. The declaration came as part of an event that brought together eminent scientists and industry experts to push the boundaries of food safety and traceability technologies. Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Food Safety During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, and T. Anil Kumar, President of Waters India Pvt. Ltd. This MoU cements a strategic partnership aimed at advancing food authentication technologies across India. Such collaborations are pivotal in enhancing India’s capabilities in ensuring the integrity of food products through cutting-edge scientific tools and international cooperation. Keynote Insights and Technical Sessions The workshop featured a keynote address by Dr. L.N. Murthy, Senior Executive Director of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, who emphasized the critical need for national traceability systems for fish and fishery products. The technical sessions were led by Shri Shrinivas B. Joshi, Associate Director of the Food & Environment Market at Waters India Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Niladri Sekhar Chatterjee, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIFT. These sessions highlighted innovative approaches and technologies aimed at enhancing food traceability and safety standards. Impact and Future Prospects ICAR-CIFT’s recognition as a Centre of Excellence in Food Authenticity is set to significantly boost research and development in this vital area. It positions India as a leader in the global effort to enhance food safety and traceability, promising to bring forth new technologies that ensure the integrity and authenticity of food products. In conclusion, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Food Authenticity at ICAR-CIFT represents a major leap forward for India’s fisheries sector and its overall food safety and traceability endeavors. This initiative not only enhances India’s standing in global food safety but also assures consumers about the quality and authenticity of their food.

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ICAR-CIBA Revolutionizes Mud Crab Aquaculture with Breakthrough Farming Success

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable aquaculture by successfully cultivating mud crabs in earthen ponds. This innovative approach not only addresses the rising demand for seafood but also promotes ecological balance and economic sustainability in coastal areas. Rapid Growth and High Yield The mud crab aquaculture programme at ICAR-CIBA has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, growing hatchery-reared mud crab instars from a mere 2 grams to marketable sizes exceeding 500 grams in just 165 days. The programme recorded a total production of 70 kilograms, with an impressive average body weight of 720 grams per crab. The survival rate of 45% is particularly noteworthy, given the challenges associated with mud crab farming, and was achieved with a rearing density of 300 crabs per acre. Diversification and Sustainability Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the significance of mud crab farming in diversifying brackishwater aquaculture. This initiative ensures the sector’s resilience and provides sustainable livelihoods to coastal communities. “Mud crab farming is not only an answer to future demand but also an essential component in maintaining the ecological balance and economic stability of coastal communities,” Dr. Lal noted. Community Involvement and Training The success of this programme was demonstrated under the Scheduled Caste Special Programme in Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Local coastal communities were actively involved in the project, gaining hands-on experience through a harvest-cum-field day event organized at the site. This event showcased the profitability of mud crab farming and its potential as a lucrative livelihood option for these communities. Enhancing Food Security and Economic Opportunities As global demand for seafood continues to rise, initiatives like ICAR-CIBA’s mud crab aquaculture programme are crucial for securing food and economic opportunities for future generations. This achievement underscores the success of sustainable aquaculture practices and presents a viable opportunity for coastal communities to enhance their income through mud crab farming. NABL Accreditation and Research Excellence In addition to its achievements in mud crab aquaculture, ICAR-CIBA has also been recognized for its research excellence. The institute has received NABL accreditation for its National Referral Laboratory for Brackishwater Aquatic Animal Diseases (NRLBAAD) as per the standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017, further solidifying its position as a leader in brackishwater aquaculture research and development. In conclusion, ICAR-CIBA’s breakthrough in sustainable mud crab aquaculture marks a significant step forward in promoting environmentally friendly and economically viable aquaculture practices in India. This initiative not only supports the livelihoods of coastal communities but also contributes to the country’s food security and trade revenues, positioning India at the forefront of global aquaculture innovation.

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