(a) whether the Government have formulated a comprehensive policy/strategy for boosting aquaculture processing and production in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether aquaculture industry in several States particularly in Andhra Pradesh has been facing crisis due to fall in export demand for their products; and
(d) the measures taken to alleviate the problems faced by the aquaculture food industry in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a)&(b): The Government have evolved suitable strategy for boosting aquaculture production and processing of aquaculture products in the country. For the development of aquaculture in the country, main thrust has been given on freshwater and brackishwater aquaculture programmes through centrally sponsored schemes being implemented by the States and Union Territories by providing technical and financial assistance. A number of initiatives have been taken by the Marine products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)) under the Ministry of Commerce to improve the processing technology for these products.
(c): Shrimp is a high value commodity sold in the international market particularly in the developed countries, like Japan, USA and the European Union. Aquaculture industry especially in Andhra Pradesh has faced some problems due to fall in prices for shrimps during 2001-02; however the position has improved this year. The recession in Japanese market during the last few years was one of the main reasons for the crises. In the European Union the exporters are facing problem due to anti-biotic residue issues. Export of shrimps to USA has increased and India \has become the second largest supplier of shrimps to USA during the current year.
(d): The measures taken to alleviate the problems faced by the aquaculture food industry in the country include: improving the hygienic conditions in the fish landing centers and fishing harbours, establishment of anti-biotic testing laboratories, mobile laboratories and pathological laboratories, establishment of cluster development zones for Aqua exports and awareness creation camps for the aqua farmers on the aspects of eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices.