KOCHI: The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) launched a self-sufficiency project (SSP) at its hatchery and training complex at Vallarpadam here on Thursday.
The SSP is designed to help aqua farmers meet the stringent quality norms while exporting their produces.
Under the project, a facility has been set up for nursery rearing of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT), to ensure supply of good quality seeds to farmers.
Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, who inaugurated the SSP, stressed the need to provide best quality products, considering the increasing competition in the international market.
“All the aspects of products meant for the international market should be the best. This message has to reach not only the exporters, but everyone in the value chain. The cardinal principle should be to follow good practices and ensure quality,” she said.
MPEDA chairman A Jayathilak said plans were afoot to expand the nursery rearing facility at the hatchery and training complex, located near the International Container Transshipment Terminal, for other species such as seabass, mangrove crab and vannamei shrimp.
“This will ensure supply of quality seeds to aqua farmers, thereby boosting supply of exportable finfish and shellfish. It will also create more livelihood opportunities for the stakeholders,” he said.