MPEDA to hold Aqua Aquaria India 2017 in City from May 14

MPEDA to hold Aqua Aquaria India 2017 in City from May 14

Mangaluru: The fourth edition of Aqua Aquaria lndia 2017 (AAI), one of the largest expositions of its kind in Asia, will be held at the Nehru Maidan from May 14 to 16, 2017 showcasing the latest strides in aquaculture and ornamental fishery and offering a platform to various stakeholders to deliberate and chalk out a roadmap (for its future growth) that would fuel its growth as a money-spinning export industry”, said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel in a press meet held at the Nehru Maidan here on May 13.

Addressing the mediapersons MP Nalin said, ‘Diversification in Sustainable Aquaculture” is the theme of the three-day biennial exposition organized by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). a statutory agency of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry dealing with promotion of marine products export and allied activities”.

MP also said, “The three-day AAI will showcase the latest strides in aquaculture and ornamental fish breeding and rearing technology to encourage diversification and intensification in a sustainable manner. The AAI 2017 offers an excellent platform for aquaculture farmers and ornamental fish breeders to gather the latest knowledge in farming practices and acquire practical information”.

MP further said, “This is the maiden event of MPEDA in Karnataka and also the first time the AAI is being organised in the west coast of India. The first edition of AAI was held in Chennai in 2011 and the last two editions in Vijayawada in 2013 and 2015. respectively. The objective of the show is to motivate farmers to adopt the late: technologies for enhancing aquaculture and ornamental fish production and exports and creating employment. It is befitting to organize the show in the major port city on the west coast to generate more awareness on aquaculture and ornamental fish.

Around 3,000 delegates from India and abroad are to participate in the mega event where 200 stalls would display various production and harvest technologies, machinery, and accessories in the export-oriented aquaculture as well as ornamental fishery sectors. The delegates would comprise farmers, entrepreneurs, hatchery operators, feed manufacturers, input suppliers, manufacturers and suppliers of various aquaculture and aquarium implements, from around the world.

Internationally acclaimed experts on aquaculture and aquaculture from Australia, USA, Singapore. Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Israel, besides India, will address technical sessions on topics of current interest.

India is the second largest aquaculture producer in the world, the second largest exporter of shrimps to Europe and the largest exporter of shrimps to the US. lndian seafood exports have been growing significantly over the past five years with figures of US$ 5.5 billion in 2014-15. The country exported 9,45,892 MT of seafood worth 4.7 billion dollars in 2015-16.

Aquaculture contributes around 70 per cent of the total marine products export earnings of India. The US and South-East Asia are the major importers of Indian seafood, and frozen shrimp continues to be the major export item followed by frozen fish.

The ornamental fish and aquatic plant industry are 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 a few marine ornamentals are bred in captivity.

The inaugural ceremony will be held on May 14 at 10:00 am at the Nehru Maidan. The entry fee will be Rs 100 for adults and Rs 20 for children with valid school identity cards.