Marine products get a lifeline as tuna exports jump 88%
The value of tuna export from the country stood at about Rs 130.4 crore in 2006-07, which represents an increase of 88% over the previous year.
By TNN |
KOCHI: With the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) focusing its attention on tuna resources, the export of tuna from the country is gaining momentum.
The value of tuna export from the country stood at about Rs 130.4 crore in 2006-07, which represents an increase of 88% over the previous year. The quantity of exports on the other hand increased to 23,788 tonne in 2006-07 which represents an increase of 43%.
The largest importer of tuna from the country was European Union in 2006-07. This was followed by regions such as South-East Asian nations, Japan and West Asia. The value added export of tuna is mainly going to Japan. Sashmi grade tuna is now fetching a price of more than $12 per kg in the Japanese market, sources said.
It is estimated that 90% of tuna resources in the country is yet to be tapped. MPEDA has recently appointed an expert in tuna fishing from Australia to develop the industry. The expert is expected advise the local seafood industry in tuna long lining, on board handling of tuna and assist the industry in the conversion of existing vessels into tuna long liners.
In 2006-07, around 47 fishing vessels were converted to monofilament long lining system with the assistance of MPEDA. This would enable them to catch tuna of good quality. It is as a result of all these initiatives that the tuna export from the country increased by almost 90% in 2006-07. The export of Sashmi grade tuna stood at 758 tonne.
MPEDA has fixed an export target of $6 billion to be achieved by 2015. To achieve this target MPEDA is focusing in value addition, diversification of aqua products through cage culture.
The value of tuna export from the country stood at about Rs 130.4 crore in 2006-07, which represents an increase of 88% over the previous year. The quantity of exports on the other hand increased to 23,788 tonne in 2006-07 which represents an increase of 43%.
The largest importer of tuna from the country was European Union in 2006-07. This was followed by regions such as South-East Asian nations, Japan and West Asia. The value added export of tuna is mainly going to Japan. Sashmi grade tuna is now fetching a price of more than $12 per kg in the Japanese market, sources said.
It is estimated that 90% of tuna resources in the country is yet to be tapped. MPEDA has recently appointed an expert in tuna fishing from Australia to develop the industry. The expert is expected advise the local seafood industry in tuna long lining, on board handling of tuna and assist the industry in the conversion of existing vessels into tuna long liners.
In 2006-07, around 47 fishing vessels were converted to monofilament long lining system with the assistance of MPEDA. This would enable them to catch tuna of good quality. It is as a result of all these initiatives that the tuna export from the country increased by almost 90% in 2006-07. The export of Sashmi grade tuna stood at 758 tonne.
MPEDA has fixed an export target of $6 billion to be achieved by 2015. To achieve this target MPEDA is focusing in value addition, diversification of aqua products through cage culture.
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