By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JULY 05, 2015: DURING the financial year 2014-15, exports of marine products reached an all-time high of USD 5511.12 million. Marine product exports crossed all previous records in quantity, rupee value and USD terms. Exports aggregated to 10,51,243 MT valued at Rs. 33441.61 crores and USD 5511.12 million. Compared to the previous year, seafood exports recorded a growth of 6.86 % in quantity, 10.69% in rupee and 10.05 % growth in USD earnings.

Major items of export
 
Frozen shrimp continued to be the major export item in the export basket in terms of quantity and value, accounting for a share of 34.01 % in quantity and 67.19% of the total USD earnings.  Shrimp exports during the period increased by 18.60%, 16% and 15.54% in quantity, rupee value and USD value respectively.  However unit value realization decreased to 10.38 USD/Kg from 10.65 in 2013-14, a negative growth of 2.59%.
 
The overall export of shrimp during 2014-15 was to the tune of 3,57,505 MT worth USD 3,709.76 million. USA is the largest market (1, 12,702 MT) for frozen shrimp exports in quantity terms followed by European Union (81,952 MT), South East Asia (69,068MT) and Japan (30,434 MT).
 
The contribution of cultured shrimp to the total shrimp export is 76.45% in terms of USD. The export of cultured shrimp has shown positive growth of 21.66% in quantity and 15.53% in USD terms.
 
During 2014 -15 shrimp aquaculture has shown a tremendous growth (30.64%) and achieved highest production (4,34,558 MT). Production of L. Vannamei increased by 41% to 3,53,413 MT. Black Tiger production remained stagnant at 71400 MT. Scampi production increased by 32% to 7989 MT.  Major shrimp producing states have shown positive growth - Andhra Pradesh 2,79,727 MT (+31%), Tamil Nadu 32,785 MT (+20%), Gujarat 30156 MT (+182%), Maharashtra 4426 MT (+113%), Orissa 22539 MT (+56.13%).