Registering a record growth in terms of quantity and value, export of marine products crossed $3.5 billion mark during 2011-12. Exports aggregated to 862021 tonnes valued at `16,597.23 crore and $3508.45 billion. Compared to the previous years, seafood export recorded a growth of 6.02% in quantity, 28.65% in Rupee and 22.81% dollars respectively.
The annual export figures were released by the marine products export development authority (MPEDA) in Kochi on Friday.
‘’The figures must be reviewed in the background of recession in international market, crisis in European Union economies, anti dumping duty in the US, sluggish growth of US economy and political instability in the Arab region. Increased production of Vannamei shrimp, increased productivity of black tiger shrimp and better price realisation of major export items such as shrimp, squid and cuttlefish helped us to register a fine turnover,’’ MPEDA chairperson Leena Nair said.
Frozen shrimp continued to be the major export value item contributing 49.63% of the total earnings in dollar terms. Shrimp export during the period increased by 24.86%, 42.97% and 37.99% in quantity, rupee and dollar terms respectively.
Fish has retained its position as the principal export item in terms of quantity and the second largest export items in terms of value contributing a share of 40.27% in quantity and 19.48% in dollar earning.
Cuttle fish recorded a growth of 21.92% in rupee value and 15. 58% in dollar value also increased by 25.06 %. However, the the figure has fallen to 7.59% in quantity.
Export of squid showed an increase of 21.53% in rupee value and 17.46% dollar realisation. unit value increased by 32.95. However, there is a fall of 11.65% in quantity in the export of squid also.
Live items also showed a growth of 8.76% in terms of rupee value and 3.18% in dollar realisation compared to previous year.