KOCHI: Marine products exports from the country has recorded new heights in 2014-15, crossing the one million tonne mark in terms of quantity for the first time and earning Rs 33441.61 crore, more than 10% growth in value.
According to the annual statistics of marine exports, released here on Thursday by Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the exports reached an all-time high of $ 5511.12 million. It broke all previous records in quantity, rupee value and in dollar terms, despite the adverse conditions prevailed in the international markets, said MPEDA chairman Leena Nair.
Compared to the previous year, seafood exports recorded a growth of 6.86% in quantity, 10.69% in rupee and 10.05% growth in dollar earnings. The depreciation of Euro, weaker economic condition in China, devaluation of yen and depreciation of Indian rupee together with the improvement of exports from South East Asian countries had created a tough market condition. The price of shrimp, one of the major export items from the country, had a sharp fall. Despite all this, country managed to post a good show, by increasing the supply, Leena Nair said.
Frozen shrimp exports that increased by 18.60% continued to be the principal export item, accounting for a share of 34.01% in quantity and 67.19% of the total dollar earnings. However unit value realisation decreased to 10.38 USD/kg from 10.65 in 2013-14, a negative growth of 2.59%. The overall export of shrimp during 2014-15 was to the tune of 3,57,505 tonne worth $3,709.76 million.
Vannamei shrimp (White leg shrimp) continued to lead the shrimp exports.
Gujarat emerged as the major producer in terms of quantity and AP remained top in terms of earnings. Kerala reached second both in terms of quantity and in earnings. Even though Andhra Pradesh showed signs of saturation of growth, Gujarat recorded 182% growth in shrimp production alone.
MPEDA officials N Ramesh, B Sreekumar and Seafood Exporters Association of India chief A J Tharakan also attended the meet.