Shrimp seed producers hopeful of exports after US team visit

Berhampur: Shrimp seed producers in the state are optimistic about boosting their production and export of shrimps after the visit of the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) team to hatcheries and shrimp farms in the state, including Gopalpur in Ganjam district, for quality check in last two days.

The team on Thursday visited a farm at Astaranga in Puri district.The five-member team is now on tour of three states, including Odisha from Feb 23 to March 6. They will also visit Kochi and Surat. “The team is satisfied with the standards maintained in shrimp seed hatchery in Gopalpur,” said Kameswar Rao, advisor of the Odisha Shrimp Seed Hatchery Owners’ Association (OSSHOA). Out of 37 shrimp hatcheries in the state, 32 are located in Gopalpur and 27 are now in functioning.The shrimp seed producers had suffered last year after the demand of the seed decreased due to the US increasing the tariff on Indian exports, including shrimp. After their quality check, we are hopeful that the production of the seed will get a boost,” he said.The team conducted the process of the production of the seeds in the presence of the officials of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, state government, said Bharat Bhusan Sahu, district fishery officer.

The records related to feed management, seed production and sales and other operational documents were inspected during the visit. The team also inspected different units of the hatchery and gathered first-hand information on the sea-water intake system, UV and ozone filtration process, laboratory culture procedures, and treatment protocols.Detailed discussions were held with CAA representatives and govt officials regarding regulatory compliance, biosecurity measures, and quality assurance standards.They also visited the brackish water shrimp farm at Palur and conducted a review on seed procurement, input purchases, and farm registers. A favourable report to the govt would strengthen export prospects and further boost the aquaculture sector in the state, particularly in Ganjam, officials said.Despite US tariff pressures, which affected seafood units in the state, Odisha continued to be a top exporter, with high quality frozen shrimp leading the sector. The govt has stressed on antibiotic-free shrimp production, aiming for a target of Rs 10,000-crore in seafood exports by 2030.