KOCHI: The fourth edition of Aqua Aquaria India (AAI) that focuses on aquaculture and ornamental fish culture industry will be held at Mangalore from May 14 to 16.
Billed as the largest show in Asia, the three-day biennial event will be attended by 3000 delegates from India and abroad, according to Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the organisers of the show.
“Diversification in Sustainable Aquaculture” will be the focal theme of the event. MPEDA chairman Dr. A. Jayathilak said the AAI 2017 offers an excellent platform for aquaculture farmers and ornamental fish breeders to gather latest knowledge in farming practices and acquire practical information.
The event will showcase the latest strides in aquaculture and ornamental fish breeding and rearing technology to encourage diversification and intensification in a sustainable manner. It will also discuss current challenges and hammer out a roadmap for giving a fillip to the resurgent aquaculture sector, the mainstay of India’s marine products economy. Karnataka fisheries minister Pramod Madhwaraj will inaugurate the event.
This is the first time the AAI is being organised in the west coast of India. It is also the MPEDA’s maiden event in Karnataka.
The country exported 9,45,892 MT of seafood worth 4.7 billion dollars in 2015-16, and is expected to achieve US $ 5.6 billion in 2016-17. MPEDA has envisaged a target of US$ 10 billion for seafood exports for the year 2020. Aquaculture contributes around 70 per cent of the total marine products export earnings of India.
The global aquarium fish trade, including accessories and fish feed, is estimated at $ 18-20 billion. India contributes 0.61% by quantity and 12.42% by value (USD) in the global ornamental fish trade, but the ornamental fish and aquatic plant industry is fast gaining importance due to its tremendous economic opportunities and prospects.
Globally, more than 2,500 species of ornamental fish are traded, but only 30-35 species of freshwater fish dominate the market. More than 90 percent of freshwater fish are captive bred whereas only few marine ornamentals are bred in captivity.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com