India To Tap Tuna Markets ff

The Indian Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is making concerted efforts to boost the export potential of the hitherto untapped Tuna fish. The nodal body to promote the export of seafood from India is eyeing tuna-centric markets of Japan, the US and Europe to push its sales graph.

”With the world tuna market pegged at a whopping $9 billion, India’s share is negligible. Our studies show that India has the potential to export around 2.13 lakh tons annually. Currently, we are exporting only 10% of it. Our aim is to achieve the export target of 50,000 tons in next two to three years,” MPEDA director marketing Kuruvilla Thomas said.

Observing that 90% of the tuna’s export potential is unexplored because of its relatively low popularity in India, he said India has the largest sustainable tuna potential. The MPEDA is mainly looking at ‘Sashimi’ grade tuna which is a much sought after commodity in the Japanese market.

”The Sashimi grade tuna can fetch upto $18 a kilo in the international market. Since last eight to nine months we have been fetching this price. The grade II and grade III are priced at $7 and $1 respectively,” he said.

Mr. Thomas said MPEDA has been focusing on tuna technology liners to provide infrastructural mandates like deep-sea fishing berths, freezing facility and facility for chartered flights to airlift the sashimi grade tuna.

”MPEDA is promoting hands-on training and technical assistance to convert coastal water fishing to deep-sea fishing. We are also exploiting the unexplored tuna research in India. As of now, our aim is to diversify 1,000 odd trawlers into tuna liners”.

Asked on the investment for this, he said the project is estimated at Rs 150 crore. “MPEDA will provide half of the assistance, the rest are being part financed by various banks including NABARD. This will enhance, the lifestyle of the fishermen as well because of its economical nature”.

Apart from this marine seafood export body is also mulling to set up tuna handling facilities at various ports including Chennai, Vizag, Kochi and Veraval.