New Delhi: Shri D V Swamy, Chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), has called upon State Governments to fully utilize the substantial resources and training facilities offered by MPEDA to bolster their export-oriented aquaculture systems.
The Chairman’s appeal highlights a strategic push to enhance India’s overall seafood export capability by strengthening grassroots infrastructure and technical expertise across coastal states.
Shri Swamy underscored the critical role of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre of Aquaculture (RGCA), the research and development arm of MPEDA, stating that it provides extensive, hands-on training across crucial areas including advanced aquaculture practices, high-quality seed production, and meticulous disease screening protocols. He encouraged states to nominate their technical personnel and entrepreneurs to leverage these facilities for essential capacity building, which is vital for meeting stringent international quality standards.
Furthering the collaborative approach, the Chairman MPEDA extended an invitation to state officials and industry stakeholders to visit Kochi, the headquarters of MPEDA, for direct, hands-on exposure to the entire seafood production, value chain management, and export ecosystem. He noted that such visits would provide invaluable practical insight into scaling up operations for global markets.
In a move to improve accessibility and service delivery, Shri Swamy highlighted that the majority of MPEDA’s services are now available online. He also confirmed that the MPEDA offices in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are fully equipped to provide technical and promotional support to the sector, ensuring that support is not limited to coastal regions.
The Chairman’s focus is particularly relevant to a state like Odisha, which possesses significant coastal and brackishwater resources and is already an established major seafood exporter. Odisha has an immense potential for diversification beyond traditional shrimp farming, specifically in high-value species like Asian Seabass, Mud Crab, and scampi, which are in high demand in global markets.
MPEDA is already supporting projects in Odisha for developing hatcheries for diversified species and has established a quality control lab in Bhubaneswar to ensure compliance with export norms. By actively using RGCA’s training programs for better farming practices, disease management, and value addition, Odisha can significantly increase its export volume and value, cementing its position as a leading hub for sustainable, quality seafood exports.