A one day workshop offering an insight to shrimp producers to enhance credibility in the shrimp production chain and to control export risks was conducted in Nellore, by the DNV Business Assurance unit in India.
According to the latest data on exports, out of the total marine exports earnings of $2.5billion, shrimp exports alone accounts for 48.61% of the total earnings. Infact says Dr. Emerson Kagoo that, “High production of vannamei shirmp in India is now gaining momentum as this species of shrimp has demonstrated a good demand in the US and European markets.”
Emerson adds, “Hence this workshop was appropriate and timely to sensitize the aquaculture industry on Shrimp export risks. The AQUAsafe shrimp workshop offered a practical approach to manage associated risks that ensure food safety, traceability and environment sustainability in farm raised shrimp products."
The one day workshop on controlling Shrimp Exports risks included discussions on the regulations for Aquaculture, good aquaculture practices, functional review of practices and wrapped up with a GAP quiz and a short synopsis. The objective of the ‘AQUAsafe shrimp’ service is to provide an assurance to the external markets, that the Indian farmed shrimp products are sourced from firms pursuing high quality production, environment-friendly policies and safety from antibiotics and other contaminants.
Interactive participation and constructive feedback
The one-day workshop which was designed for a wide range of aquaculture practitioners was well received by participants coming from key food companies of India. “We received constructive feedback from participants,” says Dr. Emerson, adding, “Participants also articulated the need for increased emphasis on food safety for aquaculture products.”
Mr. Krishnakumar, Director of Operations (India & Middle East) says, “Seafood has been a focus area in the Food tactical plan for Business assurance and this workshop has underscored this. We will evaluate the market response and make the next initiatives. We have three specialists in fisheries among our Food auditors and I am confident that this will have great value to exporters and producers.”
What participants had to say…Need of the hour!
“Food Safety in the Production Chain is a major concern and if food safety is not ensured, export of aquaculture products will be at risk.” - Mr. M. Lenin, Manager, Devi Sea Foods
“Though our farmers are not used to GAP practices, the concepts outlined in this workshop, are practical options to make the farmer understand the procedures to control the export risks” - D. Radhakrishan Reddy, President, AP Prawn Farmers Welfare Association, Nellore