The Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has recently publicised the development of a novel certification scheme for aquaculture products, known as ‘Shaphari’. This move serves as a key turning point in India’s marine products exports industry, positioned to greatly enhance the credibility and quality of the nation’s seafood.
About Shaphari
‘Shaphari’ is a term derived from Sanskrit language, signifying superior quality fishery products that are fit for human consumption. The scheme draws its principles from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s technical guidelines on aquaculture certification. Shaphari presents itself as an innovative, market-based tool aimed at encouraging hatcheries to adhere to good aquaculture practices. Its primary objective is to foster the production of top-quality, antibiotic-free shrimp products, thereby gaining the confidence of global consumers.
Components and Process of Shaphari Certification
Shaphari certification works on two main components:
1. Certifying hatcheries based on the quality of their seeds: Hatcheries undergo multiple audits of their operations, upon the successful clearance of which they are provided a certificate valid for two years.
2. Approving shrimp farms that comply with the recommended best practices.
The entire certification process is carried out online, reducing the chance of human errors and ensuring heightened credibility and transparency.
Significance of Shaphari Certification
The Shaphari certification scheme is envisioned to support farmers in distinguishing high-quality seed producers. The certification of aquaculture products will aid exporters in transporting their consignments to markets with strict food safety regulations fearlessly, without the concern of possible rejection.
Furthermore, the initiative will potentially strengthen the faith in India’s frozen shrimp produce, which forms the country’s most significant seafood export item.
India’s Shrimp Exports
In the financial year 2019-2020, India exported frozen shrimp amounting to nearly USD 5 billion, with the US and China being the largest buyers. Frozen shrimp formed over half (50.58%) of the total quantity and almost three-quarters (73.2%) of the total USD earnings from the sector. The significant players in India’s shrimp producing arena are Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. It’s worth noting that roughly 95% of the cultivated shrimp produce is meant for export.
Concerns Regarding India’s Shrimp Exports
Container shortages and occurrences of seafood consignments being rejected due to food safety issues pose a concern. Specifically, consignments sourced from Indian shrimp farms have faced rejection owing to the detection of antibiotic residue, causing worry among exporters.
National Residue Control Programme (NRCP)
To combat the above concerns, the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) has been laid down as a mandatory requirement for exports to European Union nations. Managed and executed by MPEDA, the NRCP outlines particular sampling schedules and strategies annually for monitoring residues such as antibacterial/veterinary medicinal products and environmental contaminants.
About MPEDA
The Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA), established under the eponymic Act of 1972, is a state-owned coordination agency specializing in fishery production and related activities. Operating under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry and headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, its remit includes boosting seafood exports, setting quality standards, and providing marketing, processing, training, and extension services in the sector.
