For the first time in many years, Indias seafood exports have crossed the Rs 50bn mark, contributing nearly four per cent of the countrys foreign exchange earnings during 99-00. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), total seafood exports stood at Rs. 50.9 bn this year as against Rs 46.27bn in 98-99. In quantity terms, seafood exports shot up from 302,934 tonnes to 340,000 tonnes. In dollar terms, exports went up from $1,107m in 98-99 to $ 1,184m in the previous year. Seafood exports crossed Rs 50 bn primarily because of a 32 per cent increase in exports to the European Union (EU), which jumped from Rs.6.8bn to Rs. 9.05bn. Exports to the US also increased from Rs 6.17bn to Rs.7.7bn. While Japan continued to be the largest importer of Indian seafood, with a share of nearly 45 per cent, total exports to Japan fell from Rs 22.9bn in 98-99 to Rs 22.6bn in 99-00. MPEDA sources said frozen shrimp contributed 71 per cent of total seafood exports in value terms. Share of cuttlefish increased by four per cent, squid 9.1 per cent, lobster 6.4 per cent, octopus 117 per cent, surimi 86 per cent and crab 64 per cent. As reported by market resources. |
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