MPEDA to focus on developing live feed

Hyderabad: To encourage diversification and intensification of aquaculture in a sustainable manner, The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Commerce Ministry, will launch the swadeshi "Pearl" brand Artemia, the most important live feed at the fifth edition of Aqua Aquaria India to be held at HITEX exhibition center, Hyderabad, from August 30 to September 01, 2019.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who will inaugurate the event whose focal theme is 'Taking Blue Revolution to India's Hinterland' as chief guest will also launch 'Artemia' which, is developed by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture, a society under MPEDA, under the Make in India programme.

Artemia or brine shrimp is widely used in shrimp and fish hatcheries and is presently supplied through imports costing foreign exchange. Around 300 tons of Artemia in dried cyst form worth Rs 250 Crore is imported by India annually from countries like USA, China etc.

"While 450 grams of imported Artemia costs $80, the same quantity produced in India costs $50 only," said K S Srinivas, Chairman, MPEDA addressing the media.

"MPEDA is also promoting women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and providing them policy and financial assistance to develop this particular feed," he added.

Stating that MPEDA is also looking to double the seafood exports from India from the existing $7 billion to $15 billion by 2024, Srinivas said, "MPEDA is roping the State governments to expand the fisheries cultivated area in addition to expanding and diversifying varieties of fish, prawns as also improving the quality."

"Measures to improve export of live fish can also push the overall exports," said Srinivas, adding "Live fish exports constitute only two per cent of the overall exports."

Aqua Aquaria India 2019 is expected to witness about 5,000 delegates.