Seafood exports up in dollar terms

Kochi, Aug 12 (UNI) India's Seafood Exports reached an all time record in dollar terms to the tune of 1899.09 million with a total quantity of 541701 MT valued at Rs 7620.92 crore during 2007-08.

Compared to 2006-07, the exports recorded a growth of 2.49 per cent in dollar terms but a fall of 11.58 per cent in terms of quantity and 8.88 per cent in rupee value terms, a Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) statement said today.

The fall in exports in terms of quantity was to the tune of 70941 MT valued Rs 742.61 crore.

Frozen Shrimp continued to be the major item of exports valued at 980.62 million dollars (52 per cent) followed by frozen fish valued at 326.29m dollars (17 per cent), frozen cuttle at 185.66m dollars (9.76 per cent), frozen squid valued at 101.29 m dollars (5.36 per cent) and other items.

European Union again emerged as the major market for the Indian marine products accounting for 149381 MT (27.58 per cent) in terms of quantity and 663.17 m dollars (34.96 per cent) in dollar terms.

Japan continued as the second largest market accounting for 67373 MT (12.44 per cent) and 305.49m dollars (16.09 per cent).

During the period, Kochi port handled largest marine cargo to the tune of 98520 MT (18.19 per cent) valued 344.45 million dollars (18 per cent).

The total production from export oriented aquaculture during the period was estimated at 1,33,422 MT.

UNI MA KKS AKM 1800