Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 February 2025
The Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, conducted an awareness programme for local fish exporters and traders in the South Andaman district. The session aimed to familiarise stakeholders with the certification and registration procedures required for direct seafood exports from the Islands to international markets.
The programme was chaired by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), along with Mr. A. Sakthivel, Assistant Director, MPEDA, Kochi, and Mr. S. U. Maheswar Rao, Governing Body Member of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Several seafood exporters and traders from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands actively participated in the session.
During the session, the Assistant Director of MPEDA provided key insights into export procedures, quality standards, and MPEDA’s support programs. He introduced the concept of a Common Chilled Fish Handling Unit, which would allow the processing of seafood in live, chilled, or dry forms for export with lower capital investment compared to traditional processing plants. Participants raised queries regarding export licensing, laboratory testing, and cost factors involved in setting up chilled fish export units, all of which were addressed by MPEDA officials. Expressing keen interest, exporters conveyed their willingness to venture into direct seafood exports under the technical guidance of MPEDA and the Fisheries Department.
Dr. K. Gopal highlighted the proactive steps being taken by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries, the Airport Authority of India, the Customs Department, MPEDA, and the Export Inspection Agency (EIA), to facilitate direct seafood exports. Meanwhile, Mr. S. U. Maheswar Rao briefed attendees on various government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which offers financial assistance to enhance the fisheries value chain.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. G. Amalatheeban, Assistant Director of Fisheries, South Andaman.