Andhra Pradesh lacks a reliable and robust domestic market for fish, shrimp, and aquaculture products despite its coastline about 1,000 km. Moreover, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), fishing is allowed up to 200 nautical miles in this area.
To address the issue, the government has developed a multi-faceted marketing strategy. Among the activities included are period seafood festivals and branded retail outlets.
A total of 4.81 million tons of fish were produced in Andhra Pradesh in 2022. As compared with 2021, this represents an increase from 4.62 million tons. The average annual increase for fish production in Andhra Pradesh from March 1999 to 2022 was 1,331.026 tons.
According to the government, Andhra Pradesh produced approximately 575,000 tons of marine fish in this fiscal year. Moreover, there are natural water bodies in this region consisting of 475,000 hectares of reservoirs, lakes, and ponds with 1 million tons of fish.
Additionally, shrimp are cultured up to 2 million tons per year, resulting in 5.2 million tons of fish, shrimp, and aquaculture products per year. In contrast, shrimp are mostly exported and consumed locally in small quantities. About 1.5 million tons are exported each year, compared to just three to four hundred thousand tons consumed here.
Photo: Collected
Fisheries Department Joint Director VV Rao said that “without increasing internal consumption, aquaculture entrepreneurs will suffer from processors and buyers”.
“People are avoiding chicken for various reasons because the cost of a kilo of mutton is around US $12,” he added.
Raghuram from Bhoomi Organics said, “There is a high level of hormone use in chicken and milk today. Several health issues are caused by these contaminants, including hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). As a result, all of these issues have penetrated the society and are affecting the next generation.”
He argues that fish that thrive in natural water bodies are natural, healthy, and also affordable.
“Seafood, which is nutrient-rich and natural, is an excellent alternative,” he added.
The Fisheries Department is already working on the progress of the project. Under a hub-and-spoke model, “Fish Andhra” retail outlets are being established throughout the state. A total of 26 hubs are being constructed, while three are already operational, and the number of retail outlets will be increased to 4,000 by March next year.
Furthermore, there will be a variety of seafood options available, including live and packed seafood, and entrepreneurs can take advantage of attractive subsidy schemes and training options to open outlets.
In terms of fish production, Andhra Pradesh has far surpassed other states. And among Indian states, Andhra Pradesh contributes the most to fisheries. Directorate of Fisheries data reveal that India is exporting more fish abroad while relying heavily on Andhra Pradesh to meet its domestic needs.
Moreover, exports from Andhra Pradesh to other states have been increasing constantly. A domestic market could prevent fish from being exported, however, if the Government is able to create one.
“A major part of Brazil’s shrimp was exported to other countries, but the domestic market was improved to the extent that it no longer necessitated exports,” said Fisheries Commissioner K Kanna Babu. While 75 percent of shrimp in India is produced in the southern state, less than five percent is used in Andhra Pradesh. Thus, Andhra Pradesh could be encouraged to further develop by following the example of Brazil.
Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU
