India’s marine product export industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, positioning the country as a significant player in the global seafood market. Central to this success is the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which has been instrumental in providing support and guidance to exporters. This article delves into the success stories of Indian marine product exporters who have achieved significant growth with MPEDA’s assistance, highlighting facts, figures, and case studies.

The Role of MPEDA in Boosting Marine Exports

Established in 1972 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, MPEDA is tasked with the development of the marine products industry, focusing on exports. Its comprehensive approach encompasses quality control, market promotion, and technological advancements, ensuring that Indian seafood meets international standards and finds a robust market globally.

Impressive Growth Trajectory

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported 1,735,286 metric tons of seafood, earning ₹63,969.14 crore (USD 8.09 billion). This marked an increase of 26.73% in quantity, 11.08% in rupee terms, and 4.31% in USD terms compared to the previous year. Frozen shrimp remained the top export item, accounting for 40.98% of the total quantity and 67.72% of the total dollar earnings. The United States emerged as the largest market, importing 275,662 metric tons of frozen shrimp, followed by China with 145,743 metric tons.

Case Studies of Success

1. The Vannamei Shrimp Revolution

The introduction of the exotic Vannamei shrimp variety into India’s coastal aquaculture systems has been a game-changer. MPEDA played a pivotal role in facilitating this transition by providing technical support, quality seed supply, and training to farmers. As a result, in 2015-16, India produced 409,000 tons of Vannamei shrimp, significantly boosting exports. This initiative not only increased production but also enhanced the quality of shrimp, making them more competitive in international markets.

2. Empowering Small-Scale Farmers in Andhra Pradesh

In the village of Uppigeda in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, small-scale farmers faced logistical challenges due to the lack of proper transportation across the Uppigeda creek. This hindered their ability to procure essential inputs like seed and feed, increasing costs and reducing profit margins. Recognizing this, MPEDA, through its Network for Certification and Conservation of Aquaculture (NaCSA), facilitated the formation of eight farmers’ societies, including four belonging to the Scheduled Caste. By organizing these societies and providing necessary support, MPEDA helped streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve access to markets, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of these farmers.

3. Revival of Scampi Exports

Scampi, also known as freshwater prawn, has seen a resurgence in exports, thanks to MPEDA’s targeted interventions. By promoting best practices in scampi farming and ensuring quality control, exports witnessed a value increase of 23.22%, amounting to USD 25.17 million. This growth underscores the effectiveness of MPEDA’s strategies in diversifying India’s seafood export portfolio.

Strategic Initiatives by MPEDA

MPEDA’s success in bolstering marine exports can be attributed to several strategic initiatives:

• Quality Control and Certification: MPEDA ensures that seafood exports meet international standards by implementing rigorous quality control measures and certifications.

• Market Diversification: Efforts have been made to explore and penetrate new markets beyond traditional destinations, reducing dependency and spreading risk.

• Infrastructure Development: Investments in modernizing ports, establishing quality control labs, and providing cold storage facilities have streamlined the supply chain, ensuring the freshness and quality of exports.

• Training and Capacity Building: Regular workshops and training sessions are conducted for farmers and exporters, educating them on best practices, sustainability, and market trends.

The Road Ahead

With a target to reach USD 14 billion in marine product exports by 2025, MPEDA has laid out a comprehensive roadmap. This includes expanding aquaculture areas, introducing new species for farming, and leveraging technology for better yield and quality. Collaborations with state governments, research institutions, and international bodies are also being strengthened to achieve this ambitious goal.

How Altus Exports Can Assist Indian Manufacturers

While MPEDA provides the necessary framework and support for marine product exports, companies like Altus Exports play a crucial role in bridging the gap between manufacturers and global markets. Altus Exports specializes in partnering with Indian manufacturers to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Partnering with Altus Exports

Altus Exports offers a comprehensive partnership model designed to simplify the export process for manufacturers:

• Expertise in Market Research: Utilizing extensive databases and market intelligence, Altus identifies potential buyers and emerging markets tailored to specific products.

• Dedicated Marketing Team: A skilled marketing team employs both traditional and digital strategies to promote products effectively, ensuring maximum visibility and reach.

• Extensive Network: With a vast network of contacts, including distributors, agents, and retailers, Altus facilitates smoother market entry and expansion.

• Quality Assurance: Emphasizing the importance of quality, Altus ensures that products meet international standards, enhancing credibility and customer satisfaction.

Manufacturers interested in expanding their global footprint can partner with Altus Exports by providing essential details about their products and certifications. This collaboration enables manufacturers to focus on production while Altus handles the intricacies of export logistics, marketing, and compliance. For more information on forming a partnership, visit their Manufacturer Partnership page.