Marine Products Exports Up By 18.92 pc in Apr-Dec 2010.

Chennai, (PTI) Marine products exports grew by 18.92 per cent to Rs 9,187.18 crore during April-December 2010, Marine Products Export Development Authority said today.

This was the for the first time that the exports witnessed such a growth since the global financial crisis, MPEDA Chairperson Leena Nair told reporters here.

During the corresponding period a year ago, export of marine products fetched Rs 7,725.42 crore.

India exported 5,47,249 tonnes of marine products in April-December 2010 against 5,13,373 tonnes in the corresponding period in 2009.

According to her, frozen shrimp continued to be the major export value item accounting for 41.40 per cent. Fish retained its top slot while frozen cuttle fish, frozen dried items, live items and chilled items also showed positive trend.

Exports to the European Union accounted for 29.89 per cent of total shipments while China came second, which was followed by South East Asia, Japan and USA respectively.

Nair and other senior officials of MPEDA were here to announce a three-day event "Aqua Aquaria India 2011" aimed at exposing the aquaculture and ornamental fish farmers to the newer practices.

The conference beginning tomorrow here was expected to be attended by over 1,000 farmers from various states.

It would feature about 100 stalls exhibiting various products in aquaculture and 75 stalls on ornamental fishes from states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution K V Thomas would inaugurate the event.

Source : news.in.msn.com