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SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 1

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2 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 3
On the Platter MPEDA
VOL. VIII / NO. 6 / SEPTEMBER 2020 Newsletter

EDITORIAL BOARD
Mr. T. Dola Sankar IOFS
K. S. Srinivas IAS DIRECTOR (M)

Chairman Mr. P. Anil Kumar


JOINT DIRECTOR (MARKETING)

Dear friends, Dr. T. R. Gibinkumar


DEPUTY DIRECTOR (MARKET PROMOTION)
Though the fishing sector has opened up after the ban in the west coast, it
was reported that due to the social distancing norms and shortage of workers, Mr. K. V. Premdev
the sector faces raw material shortage. Many of the small scale farmers have DEPUTY DIRECTOR (MPEDA MANGALORE)
also abstained from stocking or delayed their stocking, which has affected the
EDITOR
farmed shrimp output. The market demand remains sluggish, especially in
China and Japan while there has been slight improvement in the exports to
Dr. M. K. Ram Mohan
JOINT DIRECTOR (QUALITY CONTROL)
USA and European Union. Limited flight availability has seriously impacted
the export of live and chilled marine products. The exporters also have ASST. EDITOR
reported that the payments to them from Chinese importers are delayed as Mrs. K. M. Divya Mohanan
the importers are waiting the Covid-19 clearance tests on the cargo imported SENIOR CLERK
by the Chinese Authority.
MPEDA has continued its webinar series on major markets and on 15th
September 2020 organized one on the prospects of Chinese market. 221
exporters have participated. A virtual Buyer Seller Meet (VBSM) was also
arranged on 29th September 2020 in association with Embassy of India in Madrid
and CONXEMAR, Spain, in which 16 exporters from India and 11 buyers from
Spain have participated. The webinar held ahead of the Buyer Seller Meet
was attended by 120 exporters. MPEDA has also participated in the virtual
exhibition organized by the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo
(JISTE) for a period of 1 year. MPEDA, in association with Singapore India
Partnership Office, Govt. of Singapore, organized a virtual Soft Shell Crab
workshop on 4th September for the promotion of soft shell farming and exports.
EDITORIAL SUPPORT
Realizing the gaps in the first mile activity to maintain the quality and hygiene Bworld Corporate Solutions Pvt Ltd
of fish landed, MPEDA has mooted a proposal to modernize the major fishing 166, Jawahar Nagar, Kadavanthra
harbors of the country by identifying 25 fishing harbors that could be modernized Kochi, Keralam, India 682 020
to international standards to improve the handling, packing and transportation Phone: 0484 2206666, 2205544
practices, so that landed material fetches better revenue and exporters get www.bworld.in, life@bworld.in
seafood of improved quality. As a part of it, MPEDA has selected 2 fishing
harbours ie., Cochin Fishing Harbor under the Cochin Port Trust in Kerala LAYOUT
and the Nizampatnam Fishing Harbor in Andhra Pradesh to be modernized Bijo Francis John
on a pilot scale with the fund support from various Government agencies and
by creating special purpose vehicle to undertake the project to its fruition. www.mpeda.gov.in
MPEDA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Cochin Port support@mpeda.gov.in
Trust on 20th September 2020 for the formation of special purpose vehicle to
modernize the Cochin Fishing Harbor. MPEDA is hopeful that such projects Printed and Published by
will be a landmark in the seafood industry as it will revamp the outlook and Mr. K . S . Srinivas IAS, Chairman
perception, the stakeholders as well as the general public keep on the quality
On behalf of The Marine Products
of the seafood consumed. Export Development Authority
(Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
Thank You Govt. of India)
MPEDA House, Panampilly Avenue
Kochi - 682 036, Tel: +91 484 2311979

Disclaimer: Readers are requested to verify & make appropriate enquiries to satisfy themselves Published by
about the veracity of an advertisement before responding to any published in this magazine. The MPEDA House
Marine Products Export Development Authority, the Publisher & Owner of this magazine, does not Panampilly Avenue
vouch for the authenticity of any advertisement or advertiser or for any of the advertiser's products Kochi - 682 036
and/or services. In no event can the Owner, Publisher, Printer, Editor, Director/s, Employees of this
magazine/organization be held responsible/liable in any manner whatsoever for any claims and/or Printed at
damages for advertisement in this. Print Express
MPEDA is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. 44/1469A, Asoka Road
Kaloor, Kochi - 682 017
FOCUS AREA
INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET

CIFNET is all
set to take up
new challenges
A.K. Choudhury
Director, CIFNET

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 5


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET

CIFNET Headquarters at Cochin

O
ur nation is all set to take the big plunge in its
Blue Revolution. The mandates of fisheries
industries are constantly changing, with
pressures of dwindling seafood resources and potential
of inland fisheries development. At this juncture, there
is one institution that stands like a beacon of hope for
creating proficient skilled labour in fishing, especially in
deep sea fishing.

The Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and


Engineering Training (CIFNET) has been doing
pioneering work in this sector since its inception in
1963. Even today, “CIFNET is the only nodal agency on
behalf of the Government of India to create manpower
for deep sea fishing,” said A.K. Choudhury, Director, fishing. The fishermen were still relying on traditional
CIFNET in an exclusive chat with MPEDA Newsletter. methods, while the world was opening up.
The institute was launched in 1963 with the objective
of catering to the need for skilled manpower in the So as to update the stakeholders’ potential, the Union
fisheries sector. The industry was in a nascent stage Government started training for deep sea fishing and
then and there were not enough professionally trained the institute was then called CIFO (Central Institute
hands engaged in fisheries, especially deep sea Fisheries Operatives), with its headquarters at Cochin.

6 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET
This was changed to CIFNET in 1963. By then, the forces behind the Blue Revolution, as envisaged by
manpower requirement for deep sea fishing was much the Union Government. It kept on redefining its role
in demand. and now with the Government conceptualising another
key project called Prime Minister’s Matysa Sampatha
In response, CIFNET widened its scope and opened Yojana, the relevance of CIFNET has increased
two more units, one in Chennai and another in manifold.
Vishakhapatnam. By then, the Director General
of Shipping, as instructed under the Merchant Under the scope of PMMSY, CIFNET is given the
Shipping Act of 1958 has made it mandatory to have role to reach out to the wider audience that goes well
professionally trained skipper, chief engineer, mate beyond the classrooms. “We have already designed
and engine drivers mandatory in sea-faring vessels. 28 courses, which will be launched soon. Under the
This has set the mandate firm for CIFNET. PMMSY, the various training programmes like the in-
house training programme and outreach or extension
CIFNET did not stop at being one of the main driving training programmes are being planned. We would

Accolades to the Institute

Mr. A. K.Choudhury, Director interacting with the faculty members

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 7


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET

Practicals on safety at sea Chart work practicals for Navigation

Modern reading facility in CIFNET library Microbiology laboratory

also like to see that the resources available at CIFNET four-year degree level courses known as Bachelor of
are available for the fishermen. So, we would like to Fisheries Science (BFSc) with special emphasis on
extend our facilities to go beyond the institution and Nautical Background. This course has been recognised
visit fishermen villages, communities and harbours and by DG Shipping and approved by UGC. It is offered in
impart training to the fishermen,” said the Director. affiliated with CUSAT. Last year, BFSc course won the
recognition of the Kerala Public Service Commission.
CIFNET has always been updating its modules to match Students, graduating from this course, are not only
the requirement of the industry it is associating with. It having the prospects of getting jobs on board fishing
started off with two basic courses for deck hands and vessel as mate or second level officer, but also, in
engine drivers. “They were later remodified as Engine fisheries department under the State government in
Driver Fishing Vessel Course and Mate Fishing Vessel posts such as Assistant Director and Deputy Director
Course. These courses were for only 18 months. Again, or as technical staff in fish processing centres and
in 2005-’06 it was felt that these two basic courses technical lab assistants.”
need to have more scope of employability. To increase
the employability of our students, we again revised While the units in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai are
our syllabus and the 18-month course duration was offering their service and training people along the
increased to 24 months and courses were renamed as eastern coastal region – from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu
Vessel Navigator Course and Marine Fitter Course.” along Orissa and Andhra Pradesh up to Puducherry,
These courses are approved by the Ministry of Skill the one at Cochin is not just training personnel from
Development Enterprises. Kerala, but also those from neighbouring States like
Karnataka and Goa.
Besides these, CIFNET is offering two regular under
graduate degree courses. “In 2005, we also started As of now, CIFNET has excellent facilities to train

8 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET
students and professionals in almost every aspect of training. The hostels at Vishakhapatnam and Chennai
deep sea fishing. It can cover subjects in three key areas can accommodate 120 and 90 students respectively.
involved, namely seamanship navigation, fisheries
technology aboard the vessel and marine engineering. CIFNET is working in tandem with other organisations
Besides the state-of-the art facilities with premium involved in the fisheries sector. “Recently, CIFNET and
class simulators, CIFNET boasts three big sea-faring MPEDA jointly agreed to offer training programmes for
vessels to give hands on training for students. common fishermen at a stakeholders meeting,” Mr.
Choudhury said.CIFNET is gearing up to take up new
These vessels MV Prashikshani MV Skipper II and MV challenges posed by the changing times and extend its
Tharangini are fitted with bottom trawling and tuna long mandate beyond deep sea fisheries training.
line fishing gears. “We also have got fish processing
Everything About Fishing
lab, microbiology lab, engine room lab, refrigeration
and pneumatics lab, hydraulic labs to provide the
When it comes to teaching the basics about fishing,
students with a comprehensive knowledge about the
that too about deep sea fishing, there is no better place
industry and keep them abreast with the most modern
to go to that CIFNET.
technology available anywhere in the world.”
The Bachelor of Fisheries Science course with special
CIFNET has excellent hostel facilities available for emphasis on Nautical Science (BFSc-NS) offered by
students registering for various courses at their centres. CIFNET is a 4-year (8 Semester) programme. This
The new hostel building at Kochi can accommodate course is mainly concerned with study of fish capturing
nearly 160 students, while the old hostel building is techniques, nautical science and operation of fishing
used to accommodate fishermen joining for on the job vessels.

Navigation Simulator at CIFNET

Simulator training prior to onboard practicals

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 9


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET

Onboard Fishing vessel M. V. Prashikshani of CIFNET

This programme, which is affiliated to Cochin University vessels and related research and academic spheres
of Science and Technology, Kochi and recognised by with confidence.
UGC, has an exhaustive curriculum designed to provide
profound practical knowledge on various aspects of The candidate who have successfully passed this
the fishing and nautical sciences and is recognised degree and the basic modular courses with required
by DG Shipping for certificate of competency (CoC) sea experience are exempted from all written papers
examinations. and directly (without Post-Sea courses) appear for the
Mate Fishing Vessel oral examination leading to the
The eligibility is 10 plus 2 with 50 per cent marks in issuance of Certificate of competency as Mate of a
all subjects of PCB or PCM and the selection of fishing vessel.
candidates for this course is through All India Entrance
Examination. The syllabus includes a detailed study of fishing,
different types of fishing operation, construction
This 4-year programme is aimed at producing a new of the fishing vessel, seamanship & navigation,
generation of experts in the fishing field who will be able study of engines and other machineries on board,
to take up any challenges in the operation of fishing maintenance of fishing vessels, oceanography and

10 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET
marine meteorology, harvesting of fish, preservation of increased manifold with openings available the shore
fish, post-harvest technologies, economics of fishing establishments, fishing vessels, marine crafts etc.
among other related theories.
Riding The Waves
The Vessel Navigator and Marine Fitter courses are
the other two new trade courses offered by CIFNET, There is an air of impatience aboard MV Prashikshani,
for the first time in India. These course, started by as it is being refitted and dock repaired to go back to
National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) under where it belongs – the high sea. This veteran vessel has
the Craftsman Training Scheme by DGET, Ministry of made many rounds of the deep sea, bearing students
Labour, are aimed at producing practical tradesman in of CIFNET and giving them invaluable insights about
the Marine sector and manpower for the deck side and deep sea fishing techniques.
engine side of the fishing vessels. Both these courses
are of two-year duration. MV Prashikshani belongs to the fleet of three big vessels
owned by CIFNET as part of its training facilities. While
The eligibility for these courses is a pass in Class X MV Prashikshani is based out of Kochi, MV Skipper II is
with 40 per cent marks in Maths and Science and the based out of Chennai and MV Tharangini is based out
selection is through entrance examination conducted of Vishakhapatnam – the other two centres of CIFNET.
by CIFNET. “MV Prashikshani has a capacity of carrying 35 persons
for outer sea voyage of a fortnight. Out of these, 10 to
On successful completion of the above courses they 15 will be students and rest will be crew of the ship.
will be gaining academic and practical experience However, since the number of students are high, we
in the specialized subjects like navigation and often do week-long trip. Our voyages might go up to the
marine Engineering so that their employability will be borders of the Coastal Economic Zones, may extend

Refrigeration laboratory Pneumatic laboratory

Hydraulic laboratory Fish processing laboratory

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 11


FOCUS AREA INSTITUTE OF THE MONTH: CIFNET

Marine Engineering workshop Welding practicals


– Practicals in machining

Practicals in Engine maintenance Practicals in Electrical laboratory

trawling and tuna long lining. They are provided hands


on experience on managing a ship at high seas. For
this, the vessel is fitting with the advanced navigation
and communication systems like Automatic Radar
Plotting Aid, Automatic Identification System for
automatic tracking of vessels and Digital Selective
Calling system that allows sailors to communicate
using medium frequency and high frequency maritime
radio systems. These will train the students in collision
avoidance procedures.

“This is one of the most-equipped vessels that can give


Demonstration in Fishing gear workshop a comprehensive training for students on deep sea
up to Lakshadweep on the west or Sri Lanka on the fishing activities. This vessel can cover almost every
south,” said Arun A.S., the Skipper of MV Prashikshani. aspect related to seamanship and fishing activities on
This 34.03 metre-long vessel, with call sign ATVN, was board a fishing vessel,” Mr. Arun said.
made in 1980 by Japanese company Minami-Kyusyu
and has a net tonnage of 53.79 tons. It has a 26.76 MV Prashikshani has weathered many seasons and is
metre cube freezing room, 49 metre cube fish hold still ready to take more students to unravel the never-
and 3.20 metre cube bait hold. It can clock a maximum ending mysteries that the open sea holds within itself.
speed of 10 knots. This is a unique learning platform that CIFNET has
designed, to match its mandate of creating technically
On board, the students are familiarised with the ways trained and proficient personnel who can take care of
of seafaring as well as fishing using gears like bottom the fisheries sector in India.

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA

India’s marine fish landings in


August 2020: Pelagic fin fishes
top the list
Dr. Joice V. Thomas, Dr. Afsal V. V.
NETFISH-MPEDA
An analysis of the marine fish landings data collected from
87 harbours of the country during August 2020

A
total of 37501.04 tonnes of marine fish
landings was recorded from 87 selected
harbours during the month of August
2020. The catch was comprised of 13763.06
tonnes (37%) of Pelagic finfishes, 12874.30
tonnes (34%) of Demersal finfishes, 7725.21
tonnes (21%) of Crustaceans, 3129.61 tonnes
(8 %) of Molluscs and a meagre quantity of 8.85
tonnes of other items (Fig.1).

About 241 species of fishery items were


recorded during the period, of which the major
five contributors were Japanese thread fin
bream (Nemipterus japonicus), Indian Mackerel
(Rastrelliger kanagurta), Croaker (Johnius Spp.),
Karikkadi shrimp (Parapenaeopsis stylifera) and
Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) (Table 1).
Fig.1. Category wise fish landings during August 2020

Table 1. Major fish species landed during August 2020

Sl. No: Common name Scientific name Qty. in tonnes

1 Japanese threadfin bream Nemipterus japonicus 3442.19

2 Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta 2815.13

3 Croaker Johnius Spp 2301.22

4 Karikkadi shrimp Parapenaeopsis stylifera 2134.33

5 Bombay duck Harpadon nehereus 1328.51

Considering the contributions of various fishery items in general, Coastal shrimps, Threadfin breams, Indian
mackerel, Tunas and Croakers were found as the major items landed during the period and these 5 fishery items
had together formed 49 % of the total catch (Fig.2).

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 13


FOCUS AREA
Trevallys 94.09 0.25
Indian salmon 90.54 0.24
Sailfish 87.42 0.23
False trevally 82.32 0.22
Dolphin fish 74.48 0.20
Marlins 50.16 0.13
Needlefish 42.26 0.11
Queen fish 31.79 0.08
Silver biddies 21.53 0.06
Halfbeaks 15.16 0.04
Cobia 10.99 0.03
Fig. 2. Major fishery items landed during August 2020
Barramundi 4.21 0.01
Flying fish 3.27 0.01
Table 2 presents the quantity wise catch of various
categories of fishery items recorded during August Milk fish 1.83 0.00
2020. Among the Pelagic finfish resources, Indian Wahoo 0.37 0.00
mackerel, Tunas and Ribbon fishes were the major Total pelagic 13763.06 36.70
contributors whereas among Demersal finfishes,
the major contributors were Threadfin breams and Demersal finfishes
Croakers. Major items among Shellfishes were Threadfin breams 4408.90 11.76
Coastal shrimps, Cuttle fishes and Squids. The Croakers 2374.28 6.33
highest contributor among the coastal shrimps was the
Pomfrets 1966.31 5.24
Karikkadi shrimp which registered a landing to the tune
of 2134 tonnes. Lizard fish 1221.07 3.26
Catfish 878.32 2.34
Table 2. Category-wise landing of various fishery items Sole fish 485.15 1.29
during August 2020 Goatfish 331.79 0.88
Bullseyes 248.49 0.66
% OF
QUANTITY IN Rays 204.82 0.55
FISHERY ITEM TOTAL
TONNES
CATCH Snapper 168.02 0.45
Pelagic finfishes Ponyfish 133.04 0.35
Indian mackerel 2815.13 7.51 Reef cod 92.55 0.25
Tunas 2428.91 6.48 Moon fish 44.03 0.12
Ribbon fish 2270.71 6.06 Unicorn
40.83 0.11
Bombay duck 1328.51 3.54 leatherjacket
Anchovies 996.95 2.66 Shark 40.28 0.11
Scads 844.08 2.25 Eel 36.43 0.10
Indian oil sardine 567.68 1.51 Emperor bream 32.20 0.09
Shads 518.46 1.38 Spinefoot 31.04 0.08
Lesser sardine 497.37 1.33 Silverbelly 23.92 0.06
Barracudas 243.87 0.65 Trigger fish 22.21 0.06
Swordfish 159.16 0.42 Whitings 21.43 0.06
Mullets 145.93 0.39 Indian halibut 15.41 0.04
Seer fish 135.00 0.36 Flat head 14.85 0.04
Streaked seerfish 100.56 0.27 Sea bream 9.92 0.03
Herring 100.31 0.27 Perch 9.19 0.02

14 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA
Rabbit fish 8.62 0.02 4 Mangrol 246.08
Parrot fish 6.76 0.02 5 Jafrabad 199.08
Indian threadfin 2.54 0.01 6 Chorwad 5.61
Surgeonfish 1.04 0.00 7 Ghoghla 1.10
Pompano 0.45 0.00 8 Umergaon 0.86
Pinjalo 0.20 0.00 9 Sasoon Dock 552.50
Spade fish 0.15 0.00 10 Arnala 424.77
Surgeonfish 0.09 0.00 11 Ratnagiri 406.42
Total demersal 12874.30 34.33 12 New Ferry Wharf 258.12
Crustaceans 13 Satpati 152.29
Coastal shrimps 6422.27 17.13 14 Harne 103.86
Sea crab 1085.61 2.89 15 Sakharinate 55.96
Deep Sea shrimps 197.63 0.53 16 Maharashtra Alibagh Koliwada 20.43
Lobsters 11.97 0.03 Onni Bhatti
17 10.33
Mud crab 7.74 0.02 Dabhol
Total crustacean 7725.21 20.60
18 Versova 2.31
Molluscs
19 Dahanu 1.84
Cuttlefish 1545.50 4.12
20 Malvan 1.71
Squid 1364.27 3.64
Taramumbai
Octopus 219.85 0.59 21 1.18
Devgad
Total mollusc 3129.61 8.35
22 Vasco 34.69
Others Goa
Tilapia 4.85 0.01 23 Malim 5.01
Pearl spot 4.00 0.01 24 Malpe 293.12
Total others 8.85 0.02 25 Honnavar 236.73
TOTAL CATCH 37501.04 100.00 26 Karwar 123.14
Harbour-wise landings 27 Amdalli 91.14
Karnataka
28 Tadri 85.52
The total fish catch reported during the month from the
29 Bhatkal 68.94
selected harbours are presented in Table 3. Of the 87
harbours, the Munambam harbour in Kerala recorded 30 Belekeri 44.95
the maximum fish landing of 2712.60 tonnes (7 %) and 31 Gangolli 16.14
it was followed by the Porbandar harbour in Gujarat 32 Munambam 2712.60
with 2043.85 tonnes (5 %) and Namkhana harbour
in West Bengal with 1946.11 tonnes (5 %). The least 33 Neendakara 1666.85
quantity of marine fish caught was recorded from 34 Kayamkulam 1176.55
Umergaon harbour in Gujarat (0.86 tonnes). 35 Sakthikulangara 1143.30
Table 3. Harbour-wise catch quantity reported during 36 Beypore 490.68
August 2020 37 Ponnani 384.81
Kerala
Total 38 Koyilandi 357.35
Sl.No: State Harbour Catch
39 Thoppumpady 348.92
(tonnes)
40 Vypin 300.43
1 Porbandar 2043.85
41 Vaadi 226.10
2 Gujarat Veraval 1056.18
42 Chellanam 218.92
3 Okha 946.46
43 Thangassery 199.95
SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 15
FOCUS AREA
44 Cheruvathur 150.15 81 Namkhana 1946.11
45 Thottappally 124.03 Petuaghat Desh-
82 1935.74
46 Puthiyappa 122.50 pran
47 Mopla Bay 66.00 83 Digha Sankarpur 1627.82
48 Chettuva 50.50 84 Raidighi 1192.61
West Bengal
49 Vizhinjam 22.85
50 Munakkakadavu 8.99 85 Fraser Ganj 982.78
51 Nagapattinam 1871.35
86 Soula 786.99
52 Chennai 1537.01
53 Colachel 749.59 87 Kakdwip 558.69
54 Thengaipattinam 604.04 State-wise landings
55 Visakhapatnam 516.76 The state of Kerala recorded the highest marine
56 Nizampatnam 320.49 landings during the month, which was to the tune of
57 Vodarevu 243.76 9771.48 tonnes (26 %) (Fig. 3). West Bengal in the
second position had contributed 9030.72 tonnes (24 %)
58 Machilipatnam 236.84 and it was followed by Tamil Nadu with a total landing of
59 Kakinada 135.79 6760.28 tonnes (18 %). The state which reported least
60 Pudimadaka 95.34 landing during the period was Goa, with a contribution
of 39.70 tonnes.
61 Tamil Nadu & Yanam 84.94
62 Pondicherry Paradeep 83.96
63 Balramgadi 78.77
64 Bahabalpur 59.58
65 Balugaon 54.00
66 Namkhana 29.13
Petuaghat
67 23.38
Deshpran

68 Digha Sankarpur 22.25

69 Kottaipatnam 13.33

70 Visakhapatnam 1517.02
71 Nizampatnam 310.54 Fig.3 State wise fish Landings (in tonnes) during August 2020

72 Vodarevu 176.72
Estimations on boat arrivals
73 Andhra Machilipatnam 164.68
Pradesh A total of 22484 numbers of boat arrivals were recorded
74 Kakinada 128.01
during August 2020, of which the highest recording was
75 Pudimadaka 83.30 from Arnala harbour in Maharashtra (1678 nos.), and it
was followed by Veraval harbour with 1197 numbers of
76 Yanam 10.76
boat arrivals and Neendakara harbour with 1052 boats.
77 Paradeep 799.01
78 Balramgadi 707.82 The Ghoghla harbour in Gujarat had registered the
Odisha least boat arrival (3 nos.) during the period. The top
79 Bahabalpur 451.72
ten harbours in terms of boat arrivals are enlisted in
80 Balugaon 98.70 the table 4.

16 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


FOCUS AREA
Table 4. List of top ten harbours which recorded more boat Summary
arrivals during August 2020
In August 2020, a total of 37501.04 tonnes of marine
landings and 22484 nos. of boat arrivals were reported
Sl. No. Harbour No. of boat arrival
from 87 major fish landing sites of India.

1 Arnala 1678 The Pelagic finfishes were the major contributors to


the landings and Coastal shrimps were the most landed
fishery item. The state of Kerala had recorded the
2 Veraval 1197 maximum landing and Munambam harbour in the state
reported the highest fish landing among the 87 harbours.
3 Neendakara 1052 The maximum boat arrivals was reported from Arnala
harbour in Maharashtra. Due to the prevailing COVID-19
issues many of the harbours were not functioning as
4 Sakthikulangara 806 usual and hence an irregular pattern of landing could be
observed during the month.
5 Porbandar 748
[NETFISH keeps a record of the quantity of marine
Petuaghat landings occurring at 100 major harbour/landing centres
6 574
Deshpran along the 9 maritime states of India. The details of boats
arriving and the various fishery items being landed by
7 Kakdwip 517
them are collected on a daily basis through the Harbour
Data Collectors deployed at the harbours.
8 Digha Sankarpur 513
With the data collected from 87 harbours of the country
9 Thengaipattinam 488
during August 2020, species wise, harbour wise and
state wise analysis were done and its results are
10 Fraser Ganj 487
presented in this report. ]

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 17


18 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER
EXPORTER OF THE MONTH

The Local
Connect
“Devi Seafood’s fair raw material
sourcing practices and prompt
payment practices help to build
a sustained and loyal relationship
with farmers.”

Brahmanandam Potru
Devi Sea Foods Limited

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 19


EXPORTER OF THE MONTH

Feed manufacturing facility in East Godavari District

T
he new normal has set in. The brunt of pandemic
and subsequent lockdown is felt across the
board in the export sector. Devi Sea Foods of
Visakhapatnam is no different. Their entire supply chain
was disrupted. But they did not give in. They adapted
to the evolving scenario that kept unfolding through the
pandemic days.

“Since the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak, the


situation has been continuously evolving and we re-
aligned our operations to adapt and manage challenges
posed both on the supply and demand aspects of the
supply chain, said Brahmanandam Potru, Devi Sea
Foods Limited.

The first and foremost concern was to maintain a DEVEE brand premium shrimp feed
steady raw material supply while ensuring the safety
of the workforce. “During the initial stages of lockdown raw material sourcing practices and prompt payment
shrimp farmers were challenged with running their daily practices help to build a sustained and loyal relationship
operations and uncertainty in demand from processing with farmers.”
facilities. Our processing facilities accommodated
harvests from such farmers and at the same time Devi Sea foods has always kept a robust supply chain.
provided assurance to farmers to buy their future Its integrated infrastructure included raw material
harvests.” sourced from its own farms and associate farms, which
make for over 60 per cent of its volume. Then there
That was an important step. The assurance from a are long standing supply arrangements and contract
processing unit of Devi Sea Foods’ capacity helped the farming to have better control over its raw material
farmers to steady themselves after the blow. “Devi’s fair sourcing.

20 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


EXPORTER OF THE MONTH
In addition to these, Devi Sea Foods provided technical segment due to the presence of our marketing office
support to farmers through the Devee brand feed. in the US, which minimized impact on our operations.
This helps in ensuring better farm production and Our operations are now running at pre-COVID levels
raw material supply. Shrimp larvae from Devi’s own and we continue to work with the customers on market
hatchery and feed from own feed mill are another key directions and work in tandem with health authorities
element in maintaining high quality of farming inputs. on to the COVID-19 preventive measures to mitigate
This system was in place when pandemic struck. It anticipated risks.”
helped a lot to cushion the impact and move on. At the
same time, the management of Devi Sea Foods worked The wholly-owned subsidiary Devi Sea Foods Inc.
meticulously on the backend to ensure that the work is USA, a marketing and distribution division of the
not affected. This meant striking the delicate balance company, is constantly in touch with customers and
of keeping the plant operational as in pre-pandemic provides support locally to customers in North America.
situation and to ensure safety of the workers in tune Direct presence in the market, gives knowledge and
with post-pandemic regulations. “We were able to understanding of market dynamics, this completes
accomplish this by putting in measures like enhanced the integration cycle with competency in sourcing and
sanitation of the facility, thermal scanning, monitoring processing.
health of the workers, ensuring social distancing in
the production areas, creating awareness about the The management of Devi Sea Foods also looked into
virus and providing training on preventive measures. the SOPs for sanitisation, planning production and
Our facilities have implemented SOP’s specifically inventories based on extended lead times to reduce
for COVID-19, which are updated continuously on and nullify the anticipated disruptions caused during
government advisories and include contingency shipping and transit.
planning,” Mr. Potru said.
It is this eye for detail that secured the position of Devi
This was just the beginning of the hard labour. The Sea Foods among the top order of seafood exporters
markets across the world had taken the plunge. Blanket from India. Till the 1990s, India’s shrimp exports were
restrictions on socialising and public dining brought largely dependent on Wild Catch and Black Tiger
the demand for processed seafood in the food service shrimp and were not considered a major supplier at the
industry crashing down. But on the positive side, the international level. Exports were limited to low value
demand steadily increased in retail segment, and this products and largely destined to the Japanese market.
is what Devi Sea Foods latched on to. By 1990s, India started exploring new markets at EU
and the USA. This was augmented by introduction of
“We were able to expand our existing footprint in this White Shrimp in 2010 and in next three years, India

Surpassing global standards of shrimp processing

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 21


EXPORTER OF THE MONTH

State of the art shrimp processing facilities

has affirmed its position as a major shrimp supplier


globally.

Big investments came in, facilities improved, farms


expanded. There had been an overall change in the
perception and it reflected in the yield too. Exports
grew from 150,000 tons in 2010-’11 to around 650,000
tons in 2019-’20.

This is the right climate to re-align investments,


believes Mr. Potru. “The growth has given the industry
opportunity to invest in value-added products and,
more importantly, increased employment opportunities
significantly in the industry and offered opportunities to
young entrepreneurs to grow in different parts of the Fully equipped processing lines
value chain.”
an important species namely vannamei. For this, Mr.
This is where Devi Sea Foods has always worked itself Potru has a reason too.
to perfection. It worked closely with its customers, giving
itself better understanding of customer requirements “Black Tiger shrimp makes up around 15 per cent of
and market demand. It is this knowledge which helped Devi Sea Foods’ volume as demand has been coming
it understand the need for traceability, importance of down. However Black Tiger continues to have a niche
sustainability and invested in shrimp hatchery, farms, exclusive market which prefers large shrimp and the
feed mills and processing plants. On the top of it, Devi colour, taste and texture they offer and command a
Sea Foods’ own marketing and distribution company price premium. This small segment will always remain,
– Devi Sea Foods Inc in USA – makes it an integrated but to stay relevant the productivity and disease
seafood supply source. resistance in Black Tiger shrimp need to improve and
we might see its resurgence in future,” he said.
It is also worth noting that Devi Sea Foods has built
competencies and established farms across Andhra But the fact remains that the efficiencies in vannamei
Pradesh for shrimp, especially Black Tiger. While this shrimp production and price competitiveness made
is a native species, the current trend is promotion of this species more affordable to a larger section of the

22 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


EXPORTER OF THE MONTH
market and expanded demand for it. Production of
Black Tiger has been shrinking rapidly in the last few
years, in India even Orissa and West Bengal, which
are traditionally Black Tiger farming areas, switched
over to vannamei rapidly. Farmers producing Black
Tiger shrimp in small quantities are finding hard to
source larvae and at times even struggling to sell their
produce. Even countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam,
which had decent production of Black Tiger shrimp,
have started converting to White shrimp.

Right now, Devi Sea Foods is gearing up to face the new


challenges thrown at it by the changing times. It has
always been ahead in adapting new technologies and
upgrading its facilities to meet market demand. “Devi
Sea Foods has upgraded its processing infrastructure
to produce higher value-added cooked products like
cook-and-peel shrimp, which is cooked in shell and
then peeled. In addition to this, it is offering retail
products like shrimp rings in vacuum skin packaging,”
said Mr. Potru, giving an indication about the direction
in which Devi Sea Food has set its sail.

Product List of Devi Sea Foods Limited


Raw Headless Shrimp: Headless Shell-on,
a) Headless shell-on Ez Peel, Headless Shell-on
Deveined
Raw Peeled Shrimp: Peeled Deveined Tail-on,
b) Peeled Deveined Tail-off (Cut Deveined, Pulled
Vein)
Cooked Shrimp: Cooked Peeled Deveined
c) Tail-on /off, Cooked Headless Shell-on Ez Peel,
Cooked and Peeled (Cooked In Shell)

Value Added Products: Raw Peeled Deveined Major Export Destinations


Tail-on Butterfly, Nobashi EBI (Stretched Peeled
d)
Deveined Tail-on), Shrimp Rings (Cooked USA CANADA SOUTH AFRICA
peeled shrimp with Cocktail sauce)

Customized: Products customized for CHINA MIDDLE EAST EU


e)
convenience of customers menu applications.

Major Certifications
BRC Food Safety, BAP 4 Star Rated,
IFS Food, ASC Farm.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 23


MARKETING NEWS

SPS - TBT
UPDATES
European Union - Supplemental rules
concerning surveillance,eradication and
disease free status

E
uropean Union has notified a commission
delegated regulation (EU) 2020/689 which
supplement rules that are already laid down in
the EU Animal Health Law ((EU) 2016/429).

The notified regulation ((EU) 2020/689) is concerned


with surveillance, eradication programmes, and
disease-free status for certain listed and emerging
diseases in EU. in the EU. The rules laid down in this Regulation set
out disease control measures, which will apply in the
Aquatic diseases like Infectious Hematopoietic Union in case of outbreaks of animal diseases with
necrosis (IHN) and Infection with White spot syndrome serious effects on the livestock.
(WSSV) virus are also listed. Rules regarding granting,
maintenance, and withdrawal of disease free status Disease control measures in the event of suspicion
has been stipulated in the regulation. In addition, of Category A, B and C diseases in aquatic animals
requirements to restart a surveillance programme are stipulated in the regulation. Rules and conditions
after a disease outbreak has also been included. The regarding the establishment of restricted zones and
regulation shall apply in the EU countries from 21 April repopulation in the event of official confirmation of a
2021. disease is also included. The regulation shall apply in
the EU countries from 21 April 2021.
Ref: SPS notification G/SPS/N/EU/411 dated 1st Sept
2020 (docs.wto.org) Ref: SPS notification G/SPS/N/EU/409 dated 31st Aug
2020
European Union - Disease control
measures in case of outbreaks of animal (http://www.spsvietnam.gov.vn/en/gspsneu409)
diseases
European Union has notified a Commission Delegated Japan – Act regulating Importation of
Regulation (EU) 2020/687 which supplement rules that Specified aquatic animals and plants
are already laid down in the EU Animal Health Law
((EU) 2016/429).
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)-
The notified regulation ((EU) 2020/687) is concerning Japan has proposed an act in terms of designated
the prevention and control of certain listed diseases aquatic animals and plants. The new act will regulate

24 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS

imported fish products caught by illegal, unreported plants (or the products derived from them) in order to
and unregulated (IUU) fishing. confirm that they are not caught by IUU fishing.
Detailed regulations of notification and certification
In order to secure proper control on illegal fishing, the
and the specific list of designated aquatic animals and
Act will provide requirements for fishers, distributers,
plants will be stipulated through another ordinance.
importers and exporters. As per the act/regulation, the
Importers’ obligation is to obtain and attach a certificate Ref: TBT notification G/TBT/N/JPN/673 dated 14th Sep
when importing the designated aquatic animals and 2020 (docs.wto.org)

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 25


MARKETING NEWS

Marine products exports decline in


first half of 2020-21
On a positive note, there are initial signs of market recovery and
stabilization of the industry despite COVID-19 impact

A
s per the provisional marine products exports data for the period April - September 2020, the export has
shown a decline of 25.19% in quantity, 17.12% in Rupee value and 22.96% in US$ earnings compared to
the same period last year (Table 1).

The COVID19 pandemic has severely affected the industry both in the production side and the market side. But
it is pertinent to note that the month wise exports during the period have shown an increasing trend in terms
of US$ value, showing the initial signs of market recovery and stabilization of the industry. Month wise export
performance for April to September 2020 is given at Table 2.

Table 1. Export Performance of Marine Products: April to September 2020

Qty in MT, Value Rs. in Cr, US$ in Million

Month Unit 2019 2020** Growth %

Qty 639505 478393 -25.19

April-September Rs. 23483.63 19462.82 -17.12

US$ 3397.55 2617.58 -22.96

This report has been generated with the data compiled and reconciled by MPEDA for the period from April to June 2020;
July to August 2020 provisional data was extracted from DGCIS portal and September 2020 information taken from MPEDA
provisional data collection.

Among the major Items exported during the period April products, the USA continued to be the top destination
– August 2020 (provisional), frozen shrimp continued to for Indian seafood with exports worth US$ 801 million
be the foremost contributor in marine products exports with 41.15% share among the total exports. China
having a value of US$ 1565 million with 80.35% share ranked second with exports US$ 325.70 million having
in the total exports. The quantity & Rupee value share 16.72% share and the European Union ranked third
of frozen shrimp is 62.87% and 82.14% respectively. with exports of US$ 234.06 million having 12.02%
share. Japan is the fourth largest destination in exports
Looking at the overall exports, the unit value has worth US$ 215.64 million with 11.07% share.
increased by 11.14%, which is reflecting the better
price realized for Indian marine products during this During the period of review, the maximum export
period and also signifies the gap in demand and supply. cargo for marine products was handled by Vizag port
The major contributors that caused the elevation of unit with 32.22% share, and followed by Kochi (11.32%
value are frozen shrimp, frozen squid, dried items and share), Calcutta (10.83% share), JNPT (9.88% share),
live items. Krishpatnam (7.93% share). These are the top five
ports that handled 72% of the total marine products
Coming to the major markets for Indian Marine exports from the country.

26 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS
Table 2. Marine Products Export Performance:
April to September 2020

Qty in MT, Value Rs. in Cr, US$ in Million

Month Unit 2019 2020* Growth


%

April Qty 114413 61873 -45.92


Rs. 3344.55 1607.27 -51.94
US$ 490.14 213.25 -56.49
If we look at the exports in terms of US$ value, the
May Qty 108507 75686 -30.25 export is showing an increasing trend as indicated in
Rs. 3633.61 3162.97 -12.95 the Fig. 2. Overall indication is that an export of marine
US$ 525.54 422.56 -19.59 products has improved gradually from April 2020 to
September 2020.
June Qty 98059 76620 -21.86
Rs. 3589.95 3553.43 -1.02
US$ 521.74 483.65 -7.30

July Qty 100782 80133 -20.49


Rs. 4123.59 3561.52 -13.63
US$ 605.34 474.91 -21.55

August Qty 96121 77776 -19.09


Rs. 4230.40 3401.87 -19.58
US$ 609.93 455.58 -25.31
A. Item - wise export analysis
September Qty 121623 106305 -12.59
Rs. 4561.54 4175.75 -8.46 Major Item group - wise summarized data during April -
US$ 644.86 567.63 -11.98
August 2020 (provisional) against the same period last
year is shown in Table 3.
April-September Qty 639505 478393 -25.19
Rs. 23483.63 19462.82 -17.12
US$ 3397.55 2617.58 -22.96 Frozen shrimp retained the position as the major item
having a value of US$ 1565 million with 80.35% share
in the total exports. The quantity & Rupee value share
*Provisional, (April – June 2020: MPEDA compilation; July of frozen shrimp is 62.87% and 82.14% respectively.
– August 2020: DGCIS data; September 2020: MPEDA ‘Others’ item basket have fared better during this
provisional data) period with a product share of 7.12% earning 138.67
million US$.
From Table 1, it is observed that, month-wise
percentage decline in terms of quantity is reducing and The others group is mainly contributed by surimi and
the same has illustrated in Fig. 1. This is evident from surimi analogue products, which is a sought after
the percentage reduction in exports in terms of quantity product in Japan, EU and USA markets. Surimi analogue
during June was 45.92% and the same has reduced to products are value-added convenient products with
25.19% in the month of September 2020. affordable price tag and the trend is indicating the
increased consumption of surimi analogue products
This indicates clearly that the industry has slowly during the COVID-19 period.
stared exporting more marine products. Similarly
exports in terms of US$ is also improving, as the month Frozen fish is the third major item exported with a
wise percentage decline in terms of US$ is having an value of US$ 81.53 million and held a product share of
improving trend. 4.19%. Frozen cuttlefish and frozen squid contributed

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 27


MARKETING NEWS
2.86% and 2.75% respectively and balance shared by Table 3. Item wise exports summary during
live, chilled and dried items by US$ terms. April to August 2020

It is pertinent to note that the unit value of frozen Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crores, $:
shrimp has increased by 3.12% and since it is the USD Million
main stake of Indian marine products, it is well-known
that any slight change in the unit of frozen shrimp can ITEM Share Apr- Aug- Apr- Aug- Growth
cause drastic changes in the total export earnings. The % 2020* 2019 (%)
unit value of other products has increased by 51.37%
which has contributed 7.12% in US$ earnings. FROZEN Q: 662.87 207263 291423 -28.88
SHRIMP V: 82.14 11474.84 14666.44 -21.76
$: 80.35 1565.00 2133.86 -26.66
The unit value has increased for some items such as UV$: 7.55 7.32 3.12
frozen squid by 11.81%, dried items by 25.78%, and
live items by 78.78%. Their cumulative share in the total
exports is 4.5%. If you look at the overall exports, the FROZEN Q: 11.70 38580 56622 -31.87
FISH V: 4.37 611.07 883.59 -30.84
unit value has increased by 11.14%, which indicates $: 4.19 81.53 128.52 -36.56
that slight gap in the demand and supply resulted in the UV$: 2.11 2.27 -6.90
increase in commodity prices.
FR Q: 4.68 15430 19093 -19.19
Basis Table 3, the export performance of major items CUTTLE V: 2.98 416.60 566.83 -26.50
in terms of quantity is illustrated in Fig. 3 and in US$ FISH $: 2.86 55.66 82.19 -32.28
terms is illustrated in Fig. 4. The export performance UV$: 3.61 4.30 -16.20
of major item groups compared with previous year in
terms of quantity is illustrated in Fig. 5 and in terms of FR Q: 4.11 13562 36437 -62.78
US$ value is given in Fig. 6. SQUID V: 2.86 400.06 883.46 -54.72
$: 2.75 53.47 128.49 -58.38
UV$: 3.94 3.53 11.81

DRIED Q: 4.66 15376 44992 -65.83


ITEM V: 1.58 221.23 471.93 -53.12
$: 1.52 29.56 68.76 -57.01
UV$: 1.92 1.53 25.78

LIVE Q: 0.12 394 3111 -87.34


ITEMS V: 0.23 32.35 130.92 -75.29
$: 0.22 4.31 19.06 -77.37
UV$: 10.95 6.13 78.78

CHILLED Q: 1.75 5784 8727 -33.72


ITEMS V: 1.04 145.29 231.40 -37.21
$: 1.00 19.48 33.70 -42.19
UV$: 3.37 3.86 -12.77
OTHERS Q: 10.10 33301 57477 -42.06
V: 4.79 668.44 1087.53 -38.54
$: 7.12 138.67 158.11 -12.30
UV$: 4.16 2.75 51.37

TOTAL Q: 100.00 329689 517882 -36.34


V: 100.00 13969.89 18922.10 -26.17
$: 100.00 1947.68 2752.68 -29.24
UV$: 5.91 5.32 11.14

28 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS

B. Market - wise export analysis


Q: 21.65 71393 113026 -36.83
CHINA V: 17.50 2444.81 3580.18 -31.71
During April - August 2020 (provisional), USA ranked $: 16.72 325.70 520.94 -37.48
first as the favorite export destination of Indian Marine
products both in terms of US$ value and quantity.
Q: 13.10 43203 96312 -55.14
41.15% of the total exports in US$ terms and 28.74% SOUTH
V: 8.41 1174.28 2010.99 -41.61
in terms of quantity has been exported to USA. China EAST ASIA
$: 8.05 156.79 293.11 -46.51
ranks second with 16.72% share in US$ earnings and
21.65% share in total export quantity.
Q: 4.96 16356 26515 -38.32
MIDDLE
V: 4.16 581.15 839.98 -30.81
EAST
European Union has retained the third position with $: 3.99 77.63 122.12 -36.43
12.02% share in US$ earnings and 12.83% share
in total export quantity. Spain, UK, Netherlands and
Belgium were the favorite destinations in the EU. South OTHERS
Q: 9.83 32394 48074 -32.62
East Asia, once the top destination in quantity terms V: 5.57 778.69 1123.01 -30.66
$: 7.01 136.47 163.70 -16.64
has now displaced to third position in terms of quantity
and fifth position in terms US$ value. Japan secured
4th position in terms of value and fifth position in terms Q: 100 329689 517882 -36.34
of quantity. Total V: 100 13969.89 18922.10 -26.17
$: 100 1947.68 2752.68 -29.24

The market wise exports during April - August 2020 *provisional


compared with the same period in last year is shown
in Table 4.

Table 4. Market wise exports summary during April to


August 2020

Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crores, $: USD Million

Share Apr- Aug- Apr- Aug- Growth


Market
% 2020* 2019 (%)

Q: 8.89 29303 34345 -14.68


JAPAN V: 8.91 1244.47 1349.95 -7.81
$: 11.07 215.64 196.42 9.78
Q: 28.74 94743 134156 -29.38
USA V: 42.90 5993.63 7671.49 -21.87
$: 41.15 801.40 1115.79 -28.18
Q: 12.83 42298 65455 -35.38
EUROPEAN
V: 12.55 1752.85 2346.49 -25.30
UNION
$: 12.02 234.06 340.60 -31.28

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 29


MARKETING NEWS
C. Top 10 Country analysis:

The top 10 countries to which Indian marine products


exported in terms of US$ value are USA, China,
Japan, Vietnam, UAE, Spain, Canada, UK, Belgium
and Netherlands contributing 85.30% by US$ value,
86.38% by Rupee Value and 77.63% by quantity. Japan
has shown a positive growth of 9.78% by US$ terms.

Growth was also observed in Canada at the rate of


10.70% by quantity and 5.42% by value Rupee. The
unit value increase observed in Vietnam (38.99%),
Japan (28.67%), Netherlands (10.79%), Spain (8.02%),
Belgium (6.61%) and USA (1.70%),

Table 5. Top 10 Country Export Summary During


April-August 2020
Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crores, $:
USD Million, UV$:U US$/Kg
Market Share Apr- Aug- Apr- Aug- Growth
% 2020* 2019 (%)

Basis Table 4, the export performance of major markets


USA Q: 28.74 94743 134156 -29.38
in terms of Quantity is illustrated in Fig. 7 and in US$ V: 42.90 5993.63 7671.49 -21.87
terms is illustrated in Fig. 8. $: 41.15 801.40 1115.79 -28.18
UV$: 8.46 8.32 1.70

CHINA Q: 21.27 70138 111584 -37.14


V: 16.49 2303.92 3426.58 -32.76
$: 15.76 306.87 498.60 -38.45
UV$: 4.38 4.47 -2.08

JAPAN Q: 8.89 29303 34345 -14.68


V: 8.91 1244.47 1349.95 -7.81
$: 11.07 215.64 196.42 9.78
UV$: 7.36 5.72 28.67
VIETNAM Q: 6.38 21024 48983 -57.08
V: 4.90 684.24 1050.31 -34.85
$: 4.69 91.30 153.04 -40.34
UV$: 4.34 3.12 38.99

UAE Q: 2.70 8906 13743 -35.19


V: 2.68 374.06 538.50 -30.54
$: 2.57 50.02 78.28 -36.10
UV$: 5.62 5.70 -1.40
SPAIN Q: 3.14 10340 14974 -30.94
V: 2.41 336.48 417.00 -19.31
$: 2.30 44.89 60.18 -25.40
UV$: 4.34 4.02 8.02

Basis Table 4, the export performance of major markets CANADA Q: 1.90 6273 5667 10.70
compared with previous year in terms of quantity is V: 2.37 331.74 314.68 5.42
illustrated in Fig. 9 and in terms of US$ value is given $: 2.28 44.45 46.02 -3.41
in Fig. 10. UV$: 7.09 8.12 -12.75

30 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS
UK Q: 1.60 5283 7184 -26.46
V: 2.01 280.71 357.95 -21.58
Table 7. India’s Export share in top
$: 1.92 37.48 52.02 -27.97 10 countries (2019)
UV$: 7.09 7.24 -2.05 %Scope
to
India's
Sl. increase
BELGIUM Q: 1.44 4756 6722 -29.25 Country Name Import Export
No. India's
V: 1.86 259.14 316.09 -18.02 % Share
Marine
$: 1.78 34.60 45.87 -24.57
UV$: 7.28 6.82 6.61
Export
1. Spain 7913 2 98
NETHER- Q: 1.57 5172 6273 -17.55
LANDS V: 1.85 259.03 261.30 -0.87 2. United Kingdom 4418 3 97
$: 1.78 34.63 37.91 -8.66
UV$: 6.70 6.04 10.79 3. Netherlands 3177 3 97

4. Japan 14763 3 97
Q: 77.63 255938 383629 -33.29 5. Canada 2936 5 95
Total top V: 86.38 12067.42 15703.85 -23.16
10 $: 85.30 1661.28 2284.14 -27.27 6. Belgium 2086 5 95
UV$: 6.49 5.95 9.02
7. China 15749 8 92
United States
Total Q: 100.00 329689 517882 -36.34 8. 23062 11 89
Of America
V: 100.00 13969.89 18,922.10 -26.17
$: 100.00 1947.68 2,752.68 -29.24 9. Vietnam 1605 13 87
UV$: 5.91 5.32 11.14
United Arab
10. 766 25 75
Emirates
Performance of top 10 countries has been illustrated in
Fig. 11. These top ten countries are importing 85.3% of Source: Trademap
India’s marine products. D. Port Wise Export Summary:

During April- August 2020, the port that handled


maximum marine products export cargo is Vizag,
valued US$ 627.51 million (32.22% share), and then
by Kochi US$ 220.57 million (11.32% share), Calcutta
US$ 211.01 million (10.83% share), JNPT US$ 192.49
million (9.88% share), Krishnapatnam US$ 154.37
million (7.93% share).

These top five ports handled about 72.18% of marine


products export cargo. The detailed list of port wise
exports are provided in Table-6.

Table 6. Port Wise exports summery for


April to August- 2020

In the top 10 countries as per Table 6, India’s marine Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crores, $: USD Million
products export share to each country is furnished in Share Apr - Aug- Apr- Aug- Growth
the Table 7. Ports
% 2020* 2019 (%)
Q: 24.66 81298 105572 -22.99
This signifies that there is ample potential available to
VIZAG V: 33.63 4697.76 5,605.17 -16.19
increase export share in these destinations. $: 32.22 627.51 815.53 -23.06

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 31


MARKETING NEWS
Overall Summary:
Q: 13.12 43271 56484 -23.39
KOCHI V: 11.82 1651.78 1,887.25 -12.48 The marine product exports during April-
$: 11.32 220.57 273.87 -19.46 September 2020 though decreased compare
to same period last year, it is getting improving
each month, that is showing the rebound of the
Q: 10.06 33182 54518 -39.14 industry after COVID-19 pandemic.
CALCUTTA V: 11.30 1578.38 2,376.55 -33.59
$: 10.83 211.01 345.91 -39.00 There is an overall improvement shown in unit
value realization. Frozen shrimp continued to be
Q: 7.86 25915 58882 -55.99 the major item exported with 80.35% share by
JNP V: 6.64 927.83 1,742.01 -46.74 US$ terms. The USA, China, EU & Japan markets
$: 9.88 192.49 253.16 -23.96 together contributes 80.96% by US$ value.

Q: 6.22 20519 43644 -52.98 Specific increase in the consumption of Value


KRISHNA-
V: 8.28 1156.97 2,222.45 -47.94
PATNAM added convenience products such as Surimi
$: 7.93 154.37 323.68 -52.31
Analogues was observed during this period,
which is a positive sign for the efforts of MPEDA
Q: 14.92 49181 76433 -35.65 to improve exports of Value added products.
PIPAVAV V: 6.90 963.55 1,375.11 -29.93
$: 6.61 128.75 200.35 -35.74
The top 10 countries that imports 85% of India’s
marine product also offer enough opportunities
Q: 5.40 17805 24021 -25.88 for increasing the trade. India need to make
TUTICORIN V: 6.73 940.30 1,249.61 -24.75 its marketing strategies more aggressive by
$: 6.46 125.85 181.69 -30.73 exploring more and more options in the digital
media with special attention on social media
marketing during this pandemic period, where
Q: 5.36 17662 23733 -25.58
CHENNAI physical meetings and trade fairs has become
V: 5.96 833.25 922.48 -9.67
$: 5.72 111.36 134.18 -17.01 difficult to anticipate in the near future.

The industry is hopeful that as the Covid-19


Q: 3.32 10931 11344 -3.64
KATTUPAL- impact deteriorates, the consumer behavior
V: 3.83 534.74 498.70 7.23
LI/ ENNORE pertaining to seafood consumption comes near to
$: 3.67 71.42 72.54 -1.55
normalcy coupled with the reasons viz., festivals,
New Year & Christmas celebrations, especially in
Q:
5.84 19237 39953 -51.85 major markets like USA, China, EU & Japan.
MANGA- V:
1.92 268.38 465.65 -42.36
LORE/ICD $: MPEDA has conducted about 4 Webinars on
2.49 48.58 67.81 -28.35
major markets like USA, Korea, China and Spain
and 2 Virtual Buyer Seller Meets (VBSMs), which
Q: 3.24 10,687 23,298 -54.13 has highlighted the surge in the consumption of
V: 2.98 416.95 577.11 -27.75 value-added products in retail packets.
OTHERS
$: 2.86 55.77 83.96 -33.58
Many exporters in India has also conceived
this trend and slowly started their transition for
catering to this global demand and got themselves
Q: 100.00 329689 517882 -36.34 rewarded. With the present trend in rejuvenation
V: 100.00 13969.89 18,922.10 -26.17
Total of exports foreseeing the festival season coupled
$: 100.00 1947.68 2,752.68 -29.24
with the decreasing grip of the pandemic in major
markets, the exports of marine products are
expected to increase in the coming months also.
*provisional

32 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS

Vietnam's shrimp exports to EU


grow, thanks to EVFTA
R
ight before the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Vietnam earned nearly $385 million from exporting
Agreement (EVFTA) came into force on August shrimps in September 2020, marking 25% growth
1, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU had in earnings compared to last year. This is the
increased by 2% year-on-year to US$54.2 million in highest growth rate recorded since March this year.
July after declining for three consecutive months from In September 2020, there was a sharp increase in
April to June, according to the Vietnam Association of exports of Vietnamese shrimps to major destinations
Seafood Exporters and Producers' (VASEP) data. such as the US (+39,6%), China (+22,9%), the EU
(+35,4%), South Korea (+3,2%), the UK (+54,3%),
The growth in July signals improvement in the months Canada (+47%), and Australia (+50,7%). Remarkably,
to come. In the first half of August, the country exported sales to the EU in September 2020 have reached
US$29.4 million worth of shrimp to the EU, surging by the highest level since earlier this year, partly due
26% compared with the same period last year. August's to benefits from the EVFTA. All main destinations of
shrimp exports to the EU would increase by up to 20% Vietnamese shrimps have boosted their purchases to
year-on-year. serve festivals at the end of this year.
The General Director of a shrimp export company The accumulated value of shrimp exports as of
in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang told The September reached $2.7 billion, up 10.5% compared
Saigon Times that the EVFTA's incentives have helped to the same period last year, with white leg shrimps
increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp accounting for 72% of the total export volume and black
products in the market. Some Vietnamese shrimp tiger shrimp accounting for 16% and marine shrimps at
products such as frozen tiger prawns enjoy preferential 22%.
tariffs of 0%, while the EU still imposes tariffs from 4.2%
The US is the leading market for Vietnamese shrimps,
to 12% on the shrimp products of Vietnam's rivals such
with a density of nearly 24%. Vietnam has more
as Thailand, India, Indonesia and Ecuador.
competitive advantages in shrimps than India and
VASEP forecast that from now until the end of this Ecuador and bounced back fast after the Covid-19
year, Vietnam's shrimp exports to the EU will continue pandemic. After 9 months, shrimp exports to the US
to increase, but at moderate rates due to the Covid-19 reached more than $634.4 million, up 33% from last
pandemic. According to VASEP, the demand for fresh year. The US is considered a market with the most
shrimp at restaurants in the EU will continue to fall stable demand.
amid the complicated developments of Covid-19, while
After some decrease over the last few months, exports
the demand for shrimp in supermarkets and retail
of Vietnamese shrimps to the EU started to grow in the
chains will increase, as people prefer cooking at home.
third quarter of 2020. After the first 9 months, exports
Therefore, the demand for frozen and instant shrimp
of shrimps to this market reached more than $371
products will increase, while it will decline for fresh
million, up 2.3%.
shrimp.
The EU is considered the main destination of
VASEP suggested that Vietnamese exporters focus
Vietnamese shrimps in the last few months of the
more on frozen shrimp products to take advantage of
year. Sales to the EU are forecast to increase over the
this trend, especially during the year-end peak season.
coming months. Vietnam expects to earn $3.7 billion in
The EU is currently Vietnam's fourth largest shrimp
2020, up 9.8% from last year.
importer after the United States, Japan and China,
accounting for 13.3% of Vietnam's total shrimp export In September 2020, exports of Vietnamese shrimps
value. reached nearly $385 million, up more than 25% as
compared to the same period last year.
Source:http://vietfishmagazine.com/news/vietnamese-
shrimps-going-to-eu-is-expected-to-grow-thanks-to- Source: vietfishmagazine.com (https://vietshrimp.net/
evfta.html exports-of-shrimps-sharply-grow/)

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 33


MARKETING NEWS

Russia aims to increase efficiency


of fisheries sector through
digitization
An online International Conference by Russian authorities evaluated the pandemic's
impact on global seafood market and the means to overcome the crisis

T
here is no doubt that the COVID-19 has affected • Drop in demand
the global fisheries market. The negative
influences can be broadly categorized in terms of • Possible duration of consumer market recession
slowdown in demand, growth in business expenditures,
supply reduction of aquaculture resources, rise in • Split of logistic chains
logistic costs and unavailability of human resources.
All these factors have had an adverse impact on the • Perspectives of HoReCa segment
performance of the industry.
The event was materialized with the initiation by
According to FAO data, the industry may face long- Federal Agency for Fisheries, All Russian Association
term recession even after quarantine restrictions are of Fishery Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters.
relaxed or removed. At this juncture, the Russian Mr. Ilya Shestakov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture
Federal Agency for Fisheries, All Russian Association & Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries in his
of Fishery Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters introductory speech mentioned that there is 10%
jointly organized a limited access Online International increase in agriculture production this year in spite of
Conference “World Fish Market: International the pandemic.
Cooperation Vs. Pandemic” on September 22, 2020.
He also mentioned that they are in a mission to digitalize
The conference set the stage for interaction between the entire fishing industry to increase efficiency since
major trade partners in fisheries and for understanding digitalization is an essential element of a modern
the present situation in the pandemic period. General and competitive industry. Use of digital technologies
intent of the online conference was to have an increases the transparency and clarity of regulation, as
assessment on how things will be going on later and well as the efficiency of data processing, which is very
about the perspectives of Russian and world fisheries important.
market. The conference also expected to answer the
key questions like surviving global crisis and the future Mr. Marcio Castro de Souza, Senior Fishery Officer at
of the industry. The Conference was conducted with FAO for trade issues presented the FAO report on the
the provision of simultaneous interpretation in Russian State of World Fisheries (SOFIA). In his presentation,
& English. he expressed concern on overfishing and the depleting
fish stock in the ocean waters. The decline of global fish
The major topics for discussion were: stocks has implications for both the food security and
the livelihood of many communities around the world.
• Evaluation of the pandemic's influence on world Statistics show that by 2022, aquaculture will surpass
fisheries market the capture fisheries and by 2030, 53% of the total
• Scale of decline in fisheries production fishery production will be from aquaculture.

34 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS
The major challenges faced by fishing industry today informed that the new trend is online marketing, in
are technology, capital availability, climate change, which 62% growth was observed.
governance, food safety, traceability, fisheries
management, fraud, land availability for aquaculture A discussion of the current state of the Russian fish
and most recently the COVID 19 market challenges. industry was arranged during the conference. The
discussion was attended by Mr. Petr Savchuk, Deputy
In a presentation, Mr. Ragnar Arnason, Professor Head, Federal Agency for Fisheries; Mr. Sergey Mitin,
of Economics, University of Ireland explained how Deputy Chairman, Council of the Federation Committee
the world bank views the pandemic‘s impact on the for Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental
fisheries market. He explained that at present world Management; Mr.Sergey Tarusov, Chairman,
ocean fishery is in a bad shape and the fishing effort is Rybolovetsky Kolkhoz n.a. Lenin; Mr. Aleksey Buglak,
approximately 179% of the optimal and lost profit is to President, Pollock Catchers Association. Mr. Alexey
the tune of USD 83 Billion. According to him, challenges Buglak, expressed his concern over a decline in sales
for capture fisheries can be summarized as follows: fish of Pollock in the world market and an associated
prices will converge to aquaculture cost of production. reduction in export earnings. Demand for Pollock
Scarcity premium on fish price will gradually disappear. reduced drastically during the years and which in
Profitability of fishing will suffer and it will be particularly turn affected the income of Pollock fishery. Changed
bad for common property fisheries and for developing consumer behavior, decline in Pollock fillet demand are
countries. the other major problems faced by Pollock industry.

Mr. Fan Xubing, Managing Director and General Mr. Alexander Panov, Executive Director, Sberbank
Manager, Beijing Seabridge Marketing and Consulting spoke about the impact of new economic conditions
spoke on ‘Will China still be a main driver of world and financial stability of fishery enterprises. The
fisheries market?’ He explained that China will likely highlights of his talks were finished products, fuel price,
have increased influence on the global fish markets. and dynamics of national currency. He mentioned that
China is 2nd in seafood imports during the year 2019. economic, climatic and regulatory factors are the other
elements affecting the financial stability of fishery
China and Korea are Russia’s main export destinations. enterprises.
Russia’s whole frozen fish exports by species include
Alaskan Pollock, Herring, Cod and Pacific Salmon. He The Q&A session witnessed overwhelming response.
also expressed concerns over the detection COVID-19 The participants were mostly concerned about global
virus in seafood imports to China. demand drop.

The topic presented by Ms. Demi Korban, Business During discussion speakers pointed out the
Reporter, IntraFish International News Holding was following consequences:
‘COVID-19 impact on Seafood’. As per the survey
conducted by Intrafish showed that 49% of the industry • Demand drop
has been severely affected and with some impact on
the remaining 45% and minimal impact on balance 7%. • Expenditures growth (especially for companies with a
Due to COVID -19 countries shut their borders and big share of manual labor)
many fish buyers have been rethinking on how seafood
gets processed. Investments have been ploughed into • Changing behavior of consumers (frozen production
domestic or close-by by processing as this new level of demand rise, panic purchase of long expire date
conservatism on the entire supply chain can be seen. products)
She also observed that the sea food processors are
decreasing their dependence on China and COVID-19 • Desire to investigate local and neighboring markets
has accelerated this process. This is going to give
good potential to other Asian countries. Their survey • New role of online trade, its influence on current trade
also observed that the logistics supply chain was also order
hit by COVID-19 (Air Cargo 44%, Ocean Freight 24%,
Trucking 20% and Cold Storage 13%). Ms. Korban • HoReCa crises, refocusing on delivery and take away

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 35


MARKETING NEWS

• Digitalization (wish to avoid personal contacts) for Fisheries. He mentioned that in Russia, the sectors
which suffered the most are small enterprises which
• Fleet proceeding to sea problems (due to virus testing are finding it hard to fulfill the Russian Agency for
necessity and strict restrictions from foreign states) Health and Consumer Right’s requirements, producers
who use a lot of manual labor and HoReCa sector. At
The key trend which was emphasized by all the present, online trade is very promising and is found to
speakers is an increasing role of aquaculture caused be good for premium products. He also mentioned that
by the wish to be closer to the market and to provide the state of fish industry would depend on how long
sustainable delivery. pandemic influence will last and it is the time to analyze
the long-term impact which is going to happen in the
The conference was concluded by the closing remarks years to come.
of Mr. Ilya Shestakov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of
the Russian Federation & Head of the Federal Agency The international conference “World Fish Market:

36 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS

International Cooperation Vs Pandemic” was broadcast The event was moderated by Mr. Kirill Tokarev, Editor
in live format. For 2.5 hours, 11 speakers analyzed in Chief, TV presenter, RBC (Russian multimedia
COVID-19 pandemic influence on the fish market, holding). From MPEDA Mr. K S Srinivas, IAS Chairman,
identified current trends and gave forecasts for the Mr. Anil Kumar P, Joint Director, Dr. T R Gibinkumar,
future. Deputy Director & Ms. Biji K, JTO attended the online
conference.
About 281 people watched the broadcast, among
them 40% were from foreign countries viz., Norway, The discussion will be continued in offline format at IV
Denmark, Iceland, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia which
Latvia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Israel, Turkey, Iran, UAE, will take place on 6-8 July, 2021 in Saint-Petersburg.
Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Guinea The videos of the conference broadcast is available
Bissau, Comoro Islands, Madagascar, South Africa, on YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/
India, China, South Korea, Chile and the USA. watch?v=N-1-7g4-COA&feature=youtu.be)

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 37


MARKETING NEWS SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: AUGUST

Page followers - 14.7 K

Page Like - 14.6 K

Reach - 28 K

Engagement - 2.4 K

Engagement - 2.3 %

Link Clicks - 44

Retweet - 46

Likes - 269

38 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


MARKETING NEWS SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: AUGUST

Followers - 1.9 K

Reach - 1.5 K

Interactions - 2.9 K

Impression - 25K

Profile Visits - 238

Web Tap - 8

Total Views - 1.5K

Impression - 20.7 K

Unique Views - 898

Total Watch Time - 44.8 hr

CTR - 4.9 %

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 39


COVER STORY

On a mission to boost india's


marine fisheries & post-harvest
infrastructure
MPEDA's ambitious project to modernize
25 key fishing harbours of the country will start from
Kerala's landmark Thoppumpady harbour

40 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


COVER STORY

W
ith more than 8000 kilometre-long coastal estimated loss of 20 to 25 per cent of the catch during
line, 2 million square kilometre of Exclusive the post harvest operations.
Economic Zone (EEZ) and half a million
square kilometre of Continental Shelf, India is a major Being the nodal agency for the holistic development of
marine fish producer in the world. The warm, fertile seafood industry in India, the Marine Products Export
inshore waters of India are among the most productive Development Authority (MPEDA) decided to dive deep
fishing grounds globally. into this problem. After detailed analysis, it was found
that the lower unit value realization and post-harvest
The country has about 50 major fishing harbors and losses can mainly be attributed to poor infrastructure
more than 100 minor fishing harbors, which contribute facilities at the fishing harbours and lack of professional
about 65 per cent of India’s total seafood exports in management.
terms of quantity. However, the unit value realization
for Indian sea-caught material is lower than those of To this end, MPEDA proposed to upgrade 25 major
the neighboring countries. In addition, there is an fishing harbours, which contribute lion's share of

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 41


COVER STORY
landings in the country for export. In the initial phase, to address the issues.
two harbours -- Cochin Fisheries Harbour in West
In September, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Coast & Nizampattinam Fishing Harbour in East Coast
was signed between Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Chairperson,
-- will be modernized.
CPT and Mr. K. S. Srinivas, IAS, Chairman, MPEDA,
for modernizing the harbour at a cost of Rs. 140 crore.
Cochin Fisheries Harbour The project will be implemented through the formation
of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and by mobilizing
The Cochin Port Trust (CPT) runs the Thoppumpady
resources from various Central Government Schemes.
fishing harbour, one of the most important harbours
in Kerala with an average landing of 250 tons of fish Facilities to be created under the Project
every day.
Under the project, the Cochin Harbour will get important
Of this, a major share is procured for exports. However, facilities including:
the existing infrastructure facilities at the harbour, which
was commissioned in 1978, are not adequate enough a) Airconditioned auction halls

42 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


COVER STORY
b) Packing hall and loading and unloading bays (h) Retail market, fish dressing unit, net mending area

c) Ice plant (i) Offices, dormitories, food court, drivers waiting area,
canteen
d) Reverse Osmosis plant and rain water harvesting
system (j) Vehicle parking areas

e) Automation equipments such as tripods, conveyor Currently, none of the harbours in the country has
belts, and pallet jacks for easier and better movement these facilities. The modernization project is expected
of fish within the harbour to give a major fillip to the seafood export sector with
higher value realization and less post-harvest losses.
f) Electrical substations Improved infrastructure, trained human resources and
support facilities will help us to move up the value chain
(g) Effluent treatment plant and realize our full export potential.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 43


AQUACULTURE SCENE RAINBOW IN A BOWL

44 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


AQUACULTURE SCENE RAINBOW IN A BOWL

V.K. Dey

V K Dey has over three decades of experience in diverse sectors of seafood industry in Asia-
Pacific region. He was the Deputy Director of MPEDA and then associated with INFOFISH,
Malaysia. As part of INFOFISH, he was involved in several studies related to seafood industry
in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, including setting up of Aqua-technology Park for
ornamental fish. MPEDA has published Living Jewels, a collection of his articles on ornamental
fish.

A
ngelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, originate from Angelfish are very popular and a favourite among
South American freshwater rivers and tributaries hobbyists as they are beautiful and look graceful in
such as the Amazon basin and Guyana River the aquarium. There are about 25 varieties now with
where the water bodies have densely overgrown unique colour patterns, single coloured ones like
aquatic plants. They are small genus of freshwater black, silver and gold and colour patterned ones such
fish from the family Cichlidae which are dearer to most as leopard, striped or zebra and lace-like, mottled or
aquarists. Angelfish prefer an environment with thick marble, half black etc. Black veil tail, diamond, ghost,
aquatic vegetation as in their natural habitat. Broad blushing, golden marble, pearl scale and koi are the
leaf aquatic plants are the favourites for Angelfish as other popular varieties.
they can lay their eggs on them. More than twenty-
five varieties of Angelfish, which have been developed The colour of the Black Angelfish is solid black while
through cross breeding of P scalare and P eimekei, the Silver is the normal colouring of wild Angel, with
are in the market today. They were bred selectively to four dark vertical bars running through a white body,
establish the new strain. Angelfish was introduced in the first passes through the eye, the second in front
the US market during the 1940s and then to Europe, of the top and bottom fin, the third through the top and
though it was described as early as 1840. bottom fin while the fourth at the beginning of the tail
fin. Some have black speckles over the anterior portion
The Angelfish is laterally compressed and has flat, of the body. The colour of the golden angels may
upright disc-like body. It looks like a disc on edge with vary from solid white to golden colour without other
long dorsal and ventral fins. The long fins coming out markings, over the head and back area with a mantle
of the top and bottom and have two feelers in front of of gold.
the anal fin. The long pectoral fins and wide spread tail,
giving a leafy appearance. Angelfish is aptly named as Zebra Angelfish have more vertical stripes which
“pterophyllum”, derived from the Greek word, meaning continue on right through the tail, while Half Black
‘winged leaf’ while “scalare” means like a flight of stairs, Angels are white in front and the black cuts right
referring to the dorsal fin. through the top and bottom fins right through the tail.
The Black Lace are just the beginning of the solid black
There are short finned and long finned varieties. The variety and the difference between the Black Lace and
tail is vertically oriented and has a shovel-like shape to Silver Angel is the intensity of colour especially on the
long and short depending upon the variety. With three fins where one can notice a frilly or lace like effect.
vertical bands on the body and fins and thinner and paler
bars in between, they look majestic and impressive Veiltail Angels have elongated fin and this could be
in appearance. The ideal water quality for Angelfish in all colour varieties depending on the selection of
is slightly acidic soft water (pH 6.8). The maximum breeding. Blushing Angels have red cheek area without
size is 6” in length. They can survive on artificial food, any pattern on the white body while Pearl Scale Angels
preferably on flake food, however live feed such as have rough looking scales which are in different colour
blood worms or brine shrimp and mosquito larvae are varieties.
well accepted.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 45


AQUACULTURE SCENE

Aquarium
plant of the month
Hygrophila difformis (Water wisteria) Cultivation

H
ygrophila difformis, commonly known as water
Water wisteria is easy to grow and as such it is a very
wisteria (though it is not closely related to true
popular plant for the tropical aquarium. It grows best in
wisteria), is an aquatic plant in the acanthus
good light with a nutrient rich water and substrate and
family. It is found in marshy habitats on the Indian
it benefits from additional CO2.
subcontinent in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.
It can be easily propagated from cuttings. The water's
Stems can grow up to a height of 20 to 50 cm with a
temperature plays a vital role in determining the shape
width of 15 to 25 cm. It is generally considered as a
and structure of the leaves. When the temperature is
plant for the beginners, which will help create balance
high, they will grow larger with more space between
in the aquarium from the start.
each leaf than they would do in colder temperatures.
Add quality substrate to aid the roots of the plant to
Its rapid growth helps prevent algae because the plant
hold tightly in the aquarium.
absorbs a great number of nutrients from the water.
The shortage of micronutrients leads to pale leaves,
A quality substrate would be one that has the complete
which may be an indication that the aquarium needs
essential nutrients required for plants to grow and thrive.
fertiliser.
It’s essential to make sure to install the mechanical
filters that will not cause too much surface splashing
for keeping the plants undisturbed. Take care to apply
liquid water fertilizer, especially the ones that contain
Iron to experience a major growth and health benefits.

Heterophylly

Hydrophila difformis shows heterophylly which is the


occurrence of two different leaf morphologys in the
same plant.

46 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


AQUACULTURE SCENE

Plant info

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Hygrophila

Species: Hygrophila difformis

Conservation status: Least Concern

Type: Stem

Origin: Asia

Growth rate: High

Low (Min 0.5 W/L for 10-20


Light demand:
hours/day)
Low- rarely needs any
CO2 : additional carbon dioxide
booster.

Temperature range : 18-30°C.

Water wisteria is friendly and is compatible with most types of fish, but, it's best to keep them with smaller fish.
The larger fish could damage the thin leaves of the plant. They do well with smaller non-cichlid fish and should
never live with goldfish.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 47


48 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER
QUALITY FRONT

Adherence to COVID-19
Guidelines: MPEDA conducts
inspections at processing plants
Audits were carried out by field offices to ensure implementation of COVID-19
guidelines laid down by MPEDA at processing plants

I
n order to ensure adherence to COVID-19 guidelines
MANGALORE
laid down by MPEDA, the officials of the Regional
Divisions of MPEDA in Bhimavaram, Chennai, Goa,
MPEDA RD Mangalore officials visited processing/
Kochi, Maharashtra, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Veraval and
fishmeal plants of M/s. Raj Fishmeal & Oil Company,
Vizag inspected seafood processing plants at their
M/s. Mangalore Marine, M/s. F3 Marine, M/s. Geltec
respective regions.
and M/s. Seahath Canning. During the visit, it has been
observed that the above plants are implementing the
BHIMAVARAM
COVID-19 guidelines without fail.
The officials of MPEDA Sub Regional Division
CHENNAI
Bhimavaram inspected the processing plants of M/s.
Veerabhadra Exports Pvt. Ltd, Kakinada and M/s.
During the visit undertaken by MPEDA RD Chennai
Abad Overseas Pvt. Ltd, Nizampatnam. During the
officials to M/s. BMR Industries Pvt. Ltd., Royale
visit, it was found that they have been maintaining
Marine Impex Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Aquatica Frozen Foods
maximum precautions as per the guidelines to prevent
Global Pvt. Ltd. M/s Crystal Sea Foods Pvt. Ltd., M/s.
Coronavirus contamination.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 49


QUALITY FRONT

K.V. Marine Exports Pvt. Ltd. And M/s. ABAD Overseas Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Gladson Exporters, M/s. Kondiya Fresh
Pvt. Ltd., they observed that the above plants are Foods, M/s. Ashok Impex, M/s. Diamond Aqua Fishes,
implementing the COVID-19 guidelines as prescribed M/s. J.R.S Traders, M/s. Surya Sea Food Exports,
by MPEDA. M/s. Vitality Aquaculture Pvt. Ltd, M/s. V.V. Marine
Products, M/s. Peninsular Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., M/s. JRJ
KOCHI Sea Foods India Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Cascarino Enterprises,
M/s. Hameed Marine Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Messiah Fisheries,
The officers of RD Kochi had visited the processing M/s. Asixa Marine, M/s. Britto Sea Foods, M/s. Marble
plants M/s. Mangala Marine Exim, M/s. Indian Marine Valley Foods & Beverages (p) Ltd, M/s. Premier Marine
Industries, M/s. Uniroyal Marine Exports Ltd and M/s. Products (p) Ltd, M/s. Prince Sea Foods and M/s.
Kay Kay Exports. During the visit, it has been observed Amalya Sea Foods.
that the above plants are following the guidelines
in the units, strict checking of body temperature of During the visit, it was observed that workers/visitors
all employees and visitors, social distancing and are checked for compliance that includes wearing face
sanitization of packing material by 1% hypochlorite masks, disinfection of vehicle tires by spreading strong
etc., sanitization, visual observation and reporting disinfectant, checking of body temperature by an
of symptoms, and provision of quarters and canteen infrared thermometer, hand sanitization using approved
facilities to the workers to avoid social contacts. sanitizer (Ethanol, 75%, or 1% hypochlorite) etc. Visitors
are enquired about the general health condition and
TUTICORIN requested to declare if any have any of the symptoms
associated with COVID-19 like cough, shortness of
Officials of MPEDA’s Sub Regional Division Tuticorin breath, breathing difficulty, fatigue, headache, etc. At
visited the following seafood establishments: M/s. the entrance of the production units, posters are pasted/
Asvini Fisheries, M/s. Nila Seafoods Pvt. Ltd., M/s. displayed on the wall regarding the inspection of hand
Diamond Seafood Exports, M/s. Kadalkanny Frozen washing, wearing of face mask, social distance, etc to
Foods, M/s. Theva & Co,M/s. Edhayam Frozen Foods create awareness about COVID-19 and undertaking

50 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


QUALITY FRONT
for the workers. Foot-operated waste bins are placed lab documents and workers' health cards were verified
to discard used masks/gloves. and found that the doctor was cross verified and given
fitness. It has been found that before shipment the
VIZAG containers were properly fumigated with Virex 256.

Officials of MPEDA Sub Regional Division Vizag visited VERAVAL


the M/s. Liberty Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Ghan
Marine Products and M/s. Nagahanuman Fish Packers. MPEDA Regional Division Veraval officials had visited
During the inspection, it was found that the said units the processing plants M/s. Star Marine Products, M/s.
were properly maintaining the set up parameters as Jinny Marine Traders, M/s. Deepmala Foods, M/s.
per the guidelines. Castlerock Fisheries Pvt. Ltd.

It has been found that from entry point to shipment During the visit, it was found that the processing plants
point the Unit Officials, workers and other staff were are following COVID-19 guidelines properly. Few minor
maintaining the COVID-19 SOP’s. The units are having deficiencies pointed out were rectified by the units
a system of CCP-3 for packing and labelling. All the immediately.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 51


QUALITY FRONT

M/s. Ulka Seafoods Pvt. Ltd, M/s. Dolphin Marine


GOA
Foods & Processors (India) Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Shree Dutt
MPEDA officials from Mangalore visited processing Aquaculture Farms Pvt. Ltd., M/s. H N Indigo Pvt. Ltd.,
plants of M/s. Sai Kishan Fisheries Expansion and M/s. West Coast Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Zeal
M/s. Niyaz Seafood. During the visit, it was observed Aqua Limited and M/s. Mindhola Foods LLP, to ensure
that the above plants are implementing the COVID 19 strict implementation of COVID guidelines. During the
guidelines prescribed by MPEDA. visit, it was noticed that seafood establishments (6
nos in Gujarat and 2 nos in Maharashtra) found to be
MUMBAI following COVID-19 guidelines properly. Few minor
deficiencies noticed were explained to the parties and
MPEDA Regional Division Mumbai officials had requested to them to rectify, which were verified later
inspected the seafood processing establishments for compliance.

52 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


NEWS SPECTRUM

Startup to setup India's first


private Asian Seabass hatchery

Source: FishBase

I
ndia’s first Asian private seabass (Lates calcarifer) "We had discussions with him. He and his wife became
hatchery has been set up by three graduates from our angel investors. The shrimp hatchery building which
the Mangalore Fisheries College. he had bought earlier is now the sea bass hatchery,"
Kaushik told IANS.
Established with technical support from the ICAR
Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) According to The New Indian Express, KK Vijayan,
in Chennai, it is the first start-up of its kind in India’s Director of CIBA, called the initiative a milestone in
private sector. brackishwater aquaculture.

An MoU was signed between the CIBA and Canares “It is a path-breaking development in country’s
Aquaculture, which is owned by the graduates, aquaculture sector with youngsters coming to this field.
allowing them to use CIBA’s technology for seabass Start-up ventures will pave way for a resurgence and
seed production in exchange for 5,000 rupees for growth in the brackishwater aquaculture, especially
transfer of their technology and 10 per cent royalty on Asian seabass farming in the country,” he said.
the net profit of the company. Canares has 80 tanks
in the hatchery, giving them the capacity to produce 3 Vijayan noted that the private sector has been reluctant
million fish a year. to enter marine fish seed production, due to the relatively
long production cycle and need for unique skill sets to
Karthik Gowda VS, Kaushik Alike and Sachin V Savan rear marine fish larvae.“It is heartening to see fisheries
were inspired to launch the venture following a visit to graduates becoming aquaculture entrepreneurs. Since
CIBA’s seabass hatchery at Muttukadu experimental they are equipped with technical skills in the area, they
station during their degree programme. CIBA helped to are more likely to become successful entrepreneurs,”
enabled them to obtain funding to launch the firm from he said.
industrialist HS Gajanan, who owned a defunct shrimp -www.thefishsite.com
hatchery.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 53


NEWS SPECTRUM

Biofloc Tech to boost fish


production in Odisha
O
disha Government has introduced a new to take up fish farming,” said an official. The technology
scheme for promoting intensive aquaculture will help for growing freshwater fish species such as
in artificial tanks at very high densities through genetically improved farmed Tilapia, Magur, Pangasius,
biofloc technology in the State.The scheme aimed at Anabas and Common Carp.As part of the technology,
increasing fish productivity and making the State self- the waste organic matter in the tank like feed waste is
sufficient in fish production by providing livelihood digested using pro-biotics (helpful bacteria) and carbon
support to unemployed youth besides, extending source like molasses and gets converted to fish feed.
technical support to interested progressive farmers
and entrepreneurs of the State. While two ton of fish can be produced from one acre
of earthen tank (4000 sq metre area) through normal
Biofloc based farming is a new technology for promotion pond based farming in six months, the same quantity of
of intensive fish/shrimp production in a limited area fish can be grown in only four small tanks of each four
without significantly increasing the usage of the basic metre diameter and 1.2 metre depth installed in a floor
natural resources of water and land.A perswon having area of about 100-150 sq metre by using bio-floc fish
land holding as small as 150-200 sq metre with either farm mechanism. Fish grows to about 200 gm within
municipal piped water supply or bore well water supply three months and 700 to 800 gm within six months.
can start fish farming with minimal investment. Fisheries
and Animal Resources department has finalised the “The unit cost for installation of a bio-floc unit of two
modalities. tanks is Rs 1.5 lakh while a bio-flock unit of six tanks
costs approximately `4 lakh. The State Government
“The scheme will help fish farmers and young provides a subsidy of 40 pc to general fish farmers and
entrepreneurs in a great way. The new and emerging 60 pc to SC and ST beneficiaries,” the official added.
biofloc technology will provide an accelerated boost to
the fish production and encourage small land holders -www.newindianexpress.com

*GST @ 5% is extra

For details contact:


Deputy Director (MP), MPEDA House, Panampilly Avenue, Cochin – 682036
Tel: +91 484 2321722, 2311901, Email: newslet@mpeda.gov.in

54 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER


NEWS SPECTRUM

Rare fish sighted by Andhra


University scientists in Sileru
A
rare fish called Mahseer (scientific name Tor) Useful for troops
was sighted and fished out from the upper
“Animals, including fishes are sensitive to temperature
part of Sileru river, by a team of researchers
and it is a limiting factor. This Golden Mahseer can
from the Department of Zoology, Andhra University,
withstand extreme temperature up to zero degree
on Monday. This fish is listed under the endangered
Celsius, as it has the unique anti-freezing protein,” he
category by IUCN (International Union for Conservation
said.
of Nature).
Mahseer, as commonly called, is normally found in Since the Golden Mahseer is found in Sileru and the
the Himalayan region in the rivers running through grey ones are found in the Godavari, the government
the cooler climes of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, should explore the possibility of conserving and rearing
Nepal and Bhutan. But it is rare to find it in this part it for its commercial and medicinal values.“We can
of the country, said Professor D.E. Babu, whose team extract and use the anti-freezing protein for developing
spotted the fish. According to Prof. Babu, the specie alternative therapy for our troops posted in Siachen
of fish, which is called the Golden Mahseer is found in and at other hostile places.
the Himalayan region, where the temperature around
year does not exceed 20° Celsius. “Finding this variety This protein does not allow the formation of ice
in this region is a rarity and calls for a much detailed cones in the blood, which normally happens in sub-
study,” he said.Earlier, it was sighted and picked up in zero temperatures,” he said.The upper part of the
2018 from this region, but the fresh finding indicates Polavaram dam, where the depth is good and the area
that they are breeding and are native to this region. is vast, provides a natural environment for conserving
and breeding this fish, said Prof. Babu.
“In the Godavari river there are about 135 recorded fish
species and the Grey Mahseer is one of them, but the Brooders can be arranged through special techniques
golden one is rarely found,” he said.It can grow up to and the upper Polavaram suits for natural breeding, he
20 kg and the one found weighs around 7 kg and is said.
over 47 cm long. -www.thehindu.com

Tel: +91 484 2311901, 2321722 Email: newslet@mpeda.gov.in

SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER 55


NEWS SPECTRUM

PM Modi launches Flagship


Fisheries Scheme, e-Gopala
App for farmers as part of
Atmanirbhar Programme

P
rime Minister Narendra Modi on 10/09/2020 help bring variety and new technologies in the sector.
launched Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), He said that the steps taken by the government will
a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable boost India’s aim to become self-reliant.
development of fisheries sector in the country.
PM said that farmers played a pivotal role in providing
PM Modi also inaugurated the e-Gopala App, a food to the nation during the lockdown phase and when
comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and coronavirus was spreading.
information portal for direct use of farmers.
Highlighting the success of the PM KISAN scheme in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “People engaged the state, the Prime minister said that Bihar’s 75 lakh
in pisciculture will benefit largely from this scheme. farmers have received more than Rs 6,000 crore due
It is our aim that in the next 3-4 years we double our to the scheme.
production and give fisheries sector a boost.”
The project in Bihar envisages investment of Rs 1,390
He spoke Jyoti Mandal, Raju, Brijesh and Monica, crore with the central share of Rs 535 crore and the
farmers who are engaged in animal husbandry additional fish production target pegged at three lakh
and fisheries sector and said that their stories have tons. During the current fiscal, the Union government
encouraged the prime minister and are a source of has sanctioned Bihar’s proposal costing Rs 107 crore.
inspiration to farmers across the nation.
At present, no digital platform is available in the country
“PMMSY will pave the path for a renewed White for farmers managing livestock including buying
revolution (dairy sector) and Sweet revolution and selling of disease free germplasm in all forms,
(apiculture sector),” the prime minister said. He further availability of quality breeding services and guiding
added that 21 states in India will launch the scheme farmers for animal nutrition, treatment of animals using
and will boost for the fortunes of several milkmen and appropriate medicine.
apiculturists.
There is no mechanism to send alerts on due date
The PMMSY scheme will see an estimated investment for vaccination, pregnancy diagnosis and calving
of Rs 20,050 crore from 2020-21 to 2024-25 as part among other issues and inform farmers about various
of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) package. government schemes and campaigns in the area.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), this is
The e-Gopala app will provide solutions to farmers on
the highest ever investment in the fisheries sector.
all these aspects.
Prime Minister also outlined that the project will also
The PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an
boost Ganga cleanliness projects and subsequently
additional 70 lakh ton by 2024-25, increasing fisheries
the aim to provide clean environment to dolphins under
export earnings to Rs 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25,
Project Dolphin will also receive a boost.
doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers,
Prime Minister Modi also lauded Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25 per cent to
chief minister, for providing farmers with support during about 10 per cent and generation of additional 55 lakhs
the times of coronavirus pandemic. direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in
fisheries sector and allied activities.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that the project will allow
people involved in pisciculture and animal husbandry to -www.hindustantimes.com

56 SEPTEMBER 2020 MPEDA NEWSLETTER

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