42nd Annual Report 2011-12

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 42nd Annual General Meeting of our
Association. It is a matter of satisfaction for me to report yet another year of robust growth and
strong performance encompassing all the segments of SEAI.
During the financial year 2011-12, for the first time in the history of Marine product exports, the
export earnings crossed USD 3.5 billion. Exports have crossed all previous records in quantity,
rupee value and US $ terms. Exports aggregated to 862021 tonnes valued at Rs. 16597.23
crores and USD 3508.45 million. Compared to the previous year, seafood exports recorded a
growth of 6.02% in quantity, 28.65% in rupee and 22.81% growth in US$ earnings respectively.

A. Year Under Report

1. Membership
Membership of the Association stands today as follows
Name of the Region
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Goa
Karnataka
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Orissa
West Bengal
Total

No. of
Members
61
42
07
14
84
30
39
25
21
323

2. Regional Setup
The regional Offices as listed below are headed by the following:
Regional Presidents
Regions
Mr. Kishanbhai Fofandi. Gujarat
Mr. Rustom Irani
Maharashtra
Mr. M.M.Ibrahim
Goa

Page | 1

Mr.George K.Ninan
Mr.Norbert Karikkassery
Mr. D.Durai Raj.
Mr. V.Padmanabham
Mr.G.Mohanty
Mr.Taj Mohamad

Karnataka
Kerala
Tamilnadu
Andhra Pradesh
Orissa
West Bengal

3. Mg. Committee and Meetings

On 30th of September 2011, all the Regional Committees were reconstituted and
following were elected as Members of the Mg. Committee:1 Mr. Kenny Thomas
2 Mr. Kishanbhai Fofandi
3 Mr. Jagadish Fofandi
4 Mr. K.R.Salet
5 Mr. N. B. Patil
6 Mr. Roozbeh Daruwalla
7 Mr. Rustom Irani
8 Mr. M.M.Ibrahim
9 Mr. George K. Ninan
10 Mr. A. J. Tharakan
11 Mr. Norbert Karikkasserry
12 Mr. Prema Chandra Bhatt
13 Mr. Anwar Hashim
14 Mr. K. G. Lawrance
15 Mr. D.B.Ravi Reddy
16 Mr. D.Durai Raj
17 Mr. K. V. V. Mohanan
18 Mr. Srinivasa Prasad. K
19 Mr. V.Padmanabham
20 Mr. K.S.Choudary
21 Mr. Y. Surya Rao
22 Dr. I. Surya Rao
23 Mr. T. R. Patnaik
24 Mr. G.Mohanty
25 Mr. Taj Mohammed
26 Mr. S.L.Murthy
27 Mr. Rajan John
At the 281st meeting of the Mg. Committee held, immediately after the 41 st AGM, the following
members were elected as the Office Bearers of SEAI
President
:Mr. D.B. Ravi Reddy
Vice Presidents
:Mr. K.G.Lawrence
:Mr. T.R.Patnaik
Treasurer
:Mr. Norbert Karikkassery
During the year under report 2011-2012, The National Mg. Committee met 5 times. It has faced
and effectively dealt with several issues that have cropped up during the year. All of them have
been discussed in detail in the managing committee meetings, and decisions were taken after
the MC members had taken the views of the respective regional general bodies. The decisions
are implemented through an executive and administrative set-up, making SEAI a real
professional body, which is well recognized in various ministries and forums. For achieving this,
we should thank the Vice Presidents, Mr.K. G .Lawrence and Mr. T.R. Patnaik, Treasurer

Page | 2

Mr.Norbert Karikkasserry and Mr. Elias Sait, Secretary General and all the MC members for
rendering their effective support and participation. Mr. Sait with his considerable knowledge and
experience of the seafood trade has played a major role in obtaining substantial benefits for the
Industry from the Government and other agencies. Mr.Sait will continue to play a major role in
guiding the affairs of our Association.

B. EXPORT PERFORMANCE
1. Overall export of marine products
Export of Marine Products during April March 2011-12 have achieved the US$ 3.5 billion
mark by registering a growth of 6.02% in quantity, 28.65% in Rupee Value and 22.81% in
US$ realization compared to the same period of last year. This is the first time in the
history of Marine Products industry that we are achieving the 3.5 billion mark. Average
unit value realization has also gone up by 15.87%.
For the Second year in succession, exports have grown by more than 25%, one of the
very few sectors to have achieved such growth in the country during this difficult period.
Export during 2011-12 compared to 2010-11
Export details
Quantity Tones
Value Rs.crore
US$ Million

AprilMarch 201112
862021
16597.23
3508.45

AprilMarch 201011
813091
12901.47
2856.92

Growth %
6.02
28.65
22.81

Page | 3

2. Major Items of export

According to the export figures, Frozen Shrimp continued to be the major export item
accounting for 49.63% of the total US$ earnings. Shrimp exports during the period
increased by 24.86%, 42.97% and 37.99% in quantity, rupee value and US$ value
respectively. Export of Frozen Shrimp to USA registered a growth of about 47.44% in
volume and 46.81% in US$ terms. Frozen Shrimp export to Japan also showed an
increase of 15.45% in volume and 22.85% in US$ earning respectively. Export of
Vannamei shrimp also picked up. We exported about 40787 MT of Vannamei shrimp
during this period.
Fish, the principal export item in quantity terms and the second largest export item in
value term, accounted for a share of about 40.27% in quantity and 19.48% in US$
earnings showing a growth of 11.13% in quantity and 17.14% in US$ realization when
compared to the last year.
Frozen Cuttlefish exports went down in quantity by 7.59%, but improved in US$
realization by 15.58%. Similarly, Frozen Squid exports also were gone down in quantity
by 11.65%, but improved in US$ terms by 17.46%. The unit value realization of both
cuttlefish and squid improved by 25.06% and 32.95% respectively. The decline in
quantity is mainly due to the poor landings of cephalopods. The exports of dried items
were reduced both in quantity and value terms, the unit value also went down by 18.41%
when compared to same period last year. We have exported about 40787 MT of
Vannamei shrimp during the period.
Except dried items the unit Value realization of all other items showed a considerable
increase during the current financial year.

Page | 4

Page | 5

3. Major Export Markets

South East Asia became the largest buyer of Indian marine products with a share of
39.90% in volume and 25.09% in US$ realization. European Union (EU) got into the
second place with a share of 22.96% followed by USA 18.17%, Japan 13.01%, China
7.51%, Middle East 5.33% and other countries by 7.95%. Exports to South East Asia
registered a growth of 87.51% in US$ realization and 47.01% in terms of volume.
Increase in export of Frozen Shrimp, Frozen Cuttlefish, Frozen Fish and Frozen Squid
contributed to the growth. Exports to US had registered a positive growth of 36.45% in
quantity and 45.39% in US$ realization and is mainly attributed to the export of Frozen
Shrimp and cephalopods. Exports to Japan also registered a positive growth of 21.33% in
quantity and 22.35% in US$ terms. Exports of chilled items showed a tremendous
increase in Japanese market by 120.12% in quantity and 220.34% in US$ realization.
Export to China showed a drastic decline of 46.89% in quantity and 40.17% in US$
terms. Export to Middle East countries showed an increase of 25.98% in US$ realization
but declined in quantity by 13.25%. .

Page | 6

4. Major Port-wise Exports

Exports were effected through 21 sea/air/ land ports. Exports improved from Vizag,
Kochi, Tuticorin, Kolkata, Pipavav, Mundra, Calicut, Bangalore, Trichy and Goa compared
to the previous year.
5. EXPORT PRODUCTION CULTURE FISHERIES

Page | 7

5.1Export Production through aquaculture

Aquaculture production for export in the country continued to increase significantly
during the year 2011-12 also and reached an all-time record figure of over 216500
MT. The export oriented aquaculture production which registered 58% increase over
the previous year also resulted in increased contribution to shrimp exports from the
country. Awareness created on the importance of maintaining quality and food safety
in farmed shrimp by adopting good management practices in supply chain has
helped to sustain the aquaculture sector in the country, despite a number of
infrastructure bottlenecks facing the shrimp culture sector.
5.2. Status of aquaculture production
The reports on the production received from various Regional and Sub regional
centres indicated significant increase in aquaculture production. While Tiger shrimp
production showed an increase of 14.5%, L.Vannamei production showed an
exponential growth pattern with increase of 342% when compared to the previous
years figures. In comparison, increase in production of scampi was slightly negative.
5.3.Shrimp Aquaculture production
During the year 2011-12 the area utilized for shrimp aquaculture production was
123179 Ha which produced 216494 MT of shrimp.
The species-wise details of area under culture and production are given below:
5.3.1. Tiger Shrimp:
During the year 2011-12, a total of 135778 MT of shrimps were produced from an
area of 115342 ha. State wise details of Shrimp farming are given in Table -1
Table 1: State wise details of Tiger shrimp farming 2011-12
S.No
State
Area utilized
Production
Productivity
(ha)
(MT)
(MT/ha/year)
1
West Bengal
48558
45999
0.95
2
Odisha
8597
10901
1.27
3
Andhra Pradesh
35274
51081
1.45
4
Tamil Nadu
6332
12409
1.96
5
Kerala
12809
8138
0.64
6
Karnataka
650
609
0.94
7
Goa
53
51
0.96
8
Maharashtra
1098
1721
1.57
9
Gujarat
1971
4869
2.47
Total
115342
135778
1.18
Compared to the production of 118575 MT during the the year 2010-11, an increase
in production by 14.51% was recorded. The estimated value of shrimp produced
during the year was Rs.4073 crore, which registered an increase of Rs.993 crore over
the previous year. Table 2
Table 2 : Tiger Shrimp production through Aquaculture
Year
Live weight
Product
Estimated
(MT)
weight
Value
(MT)
(Rs.Crore)
2010-2011
118575
74702.0
3080.00
0
2011-2012
135778
81467.0
4073.00
0
Increase
17203
6765.00
993.00
Difference %
14.51%
9.06%
32.24%
5.3.2. L.Vannamei shrimp:
As per the reports received, the growth of L.Vannamei production has been
stupendous. From a production of about 18247 MT from 2930 ha in 2010-11, the

Page | 8

L.Vannamei production reached 80717 MT from 7837 Ha registering an increase of

342% and 167% respectively in production and area under culture respectively. High
productivity has been the hallmark of L.Vannamei culture. The average productivity
for the Vannamei farms was nearly 10 MT/Ha/year. While Andhra Pradesh led the
table with a total production of 75385 MT and a productivity of 10.58 MT/ha/year,
Gujarat leads in terms of productivity, with a production of 1195 MT and a
productivity of 13.59 MT/ha/year. The state of Tamil Nadu, with a production of 2863
MT is placed at the second position in terms of production, while the states of
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha followed in that order. The states of West
Bengal, Kerala and Goa are yet to venture into L.Vannamei culture.
Table -3: State wise details of L. vannamei farming in 2011-12
S.No
State
Area (Utilised
Production (MT)
Productivity
.
(ha)
(MT/ha/Year)
1
Odisha
25
100
4.08
2
Andhra Pradesh
7128
75385
10.58
3
Tamil Nadu
397
2863
7.21
4
Karnataka
72
232
3.21
5
Maharashtra
127
941
7.41
6
Gujarat
88
1195
13.59
Total
7837
80717
10.30
Table:4: Vanammae Production through Aquaculture
Year
Live weight (MT)
Product weight
Estimated Value (Rs.
(MT)
Crore)
2010-2011
18247
10948.00
365.00
2011-2012
80717
48430.00
2400.00
Increase
62470
37482.00
2035.00
Difference %
342.36%
342.36%
557.53%
Total Shrimp culture production for export
Thus during the year 2011-12, overall export oriented aquaculture production comprising
shrimp [including freshwater scampi] was estimated at about 224500 MT. The total value of the
production was estimated at Rs.6600 crore, which works out to an average farm gate price of
Rs.300/- per kilogram of wet weight. This shows an increase of 78900 MT by quantity and by
Rs.3018.00 crores in value (54.19% and 84.18% respectively) compared to the previous year
production of 145600 MT valued Rs.3585.00 crore Table 5.
Table 5: Total shrimp & Scampi production through Aquaculture
Year
Live weight
Product weight (MT)
Estimated Value
(MT)
(Rs.crore)
2010-2011
145600
90038.00
3585.00
2011-2012
224500
133893.00
6603.00
Increase
78900
43855.00
3018.00
Difference %
54.19%
48.70%
84.18%
Table-9 below gives trends in aquaculture production of the major species of shrimp. It can be
seen that while the Tiger shrimp production is fast approaching the peak production achieved
during the year 2006-07 and L.vannamei is increasing in leaps and bounds to catch up with
Tiger shrimp
Though all shrimp produced in aqua farms is meant for export market only, it is understood that
some quantities, particularly smaller counts of L.vannamei and Black tiger shrimp and scampi
moved in to the domestic markets. The details of aquaculture shrimp exports during the year
2011-12 are given in Table - 6.

Page | 9

During the year under report, the contribution of cultured shrimp and scampi showed increase
compared to the previous year, particularly because of the increase in export of L.vannamei. As
per the provisional figures (April 2011- February 2012) of export of Black tiger, L.Vannamei
and scampi for the financial year 2011-12, the total export of cultured shrimp export is 106935
MT valued at Rs.5139.5 crore (US $1.102 Billion ), registering increases of about 30% in
quantity, 38% in Rupee terms and 34% in Dollar terms).
Table 6
Contribution of cultured shrimp in the export production
2011-12 (*)

2010-11

Item

Qty in
Mt

Value in
Rs.Crore

Tiger

3330.44

Vanname
i

6740
5
3690
2

Value
in US$
Million
716.81

1658.72

353.06

Scampi

2628

150.34

White

1504

67.09

10843
9

5206.59

Total

Qty in
MT

Value in
Rs.Crore

Difference
Value
in US$
Million
689.00

6844
6
1204
7

3125.47
480.96

106.71

32.30

2069

113.26

24.93

14.20

1127

44.31

8368
8

3763.99

1116.3
7

Qty in MT

Value in
Rs.Crore

Value
in
US$ Million

-1041
(-1.52%)
24855
(206.32
%)
55
(27.02%)

205
(3.68%)
1177.76
(244.8%
)
37.08
(32.74%
)
22.78
(51.41%
)
1442.60
(38.33%
)

27.81
(4.04%)
246.35
(230.86%)

9.69

377
(33.45%)

830.34

24751
(29.58%)

7.37
(29.56%)
4.51
(46.54%)
286.03
(34.45%)

C.TRADE ISSUES
1.
EIC Executive Instruction
Changes have been effected in the Export Inspection Council [EIC] Executive Instruction,
which has affected the smooth flow of production and shipments of marine products to both EEC
and Non EEC countries. Costs of testing for antibiotic residues, heavy metals and other
parameters have also increased, in addition to increase in costs for approval and renewal. A
series of discussions between SEAI and EIC have taken place. Some issues have been addressed
appropriately, but many more issues remain unaddressed. Further discussions are taking place
to address the issues fully.
2.a
6th Antidumping Administrative Review.
US DOC in its final determination fixed a duty for India as given below.
M/s. Falcon Marine
de minimus
M/s. Apex Exports
2.51%
Country average
2.51%
b
7th Antidumping Administrative Review
The US Department of Commerce has initiated the 7 th Administrative Review of antidumping
duty on certain warm water shrimp from Indian in February 2012. The review covers the period
from 1st February 2011 to 31st January 2012.
About 21 Indian shrimp exporters to the US requested for a review. The petitioners had
requested DOC for review 347 Indian Seafood Companies, including the aforesaid 21
companies. DOC selected the following as the mandatory respondents for the 7 th review.
M/s. Devi Fisheries Pvt. Ltd
M/s. Apex Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd
3.
Registration of Seafood Processors under FSSAI

Page | 10

The seafood processing establishments manufacturing processed seafood for 100% export are
covered by the Export (Quality Control & Inspection) Amendment Act, 1984. The Act covers the
seafood processing, fishing and pre-processing centers in its entirety and the Export Inspection
Council of India has been designated as the Competent Authority for the seafood export sector.
The establishments are inspected and approved for export by an Assessment Panel of Experts
(APE) who inspects the establishments as per the norms laid down in the Executive Instructions
for Approval and Monitoring of Fish & Fishery Products for Export. These norms have been
formulated after taking into considerations the food safety requirements of India and all the
countries to which seafood exports are made. Constant monitoring of the establishments is
conducted as per the protocols of the Executive Instructions and every establishment is required
to renew their approval after a period of two years. We also understand that the EIC has also
been notified by FSSAI as an agency for monitoring of food business operators under the Act.
In these circumstances, we requested FSSAI that the inspection of the processing facility under
FSSAI Act Chapter 2, Section 2.1.4 (4) be waived in view of the stringent auditing of the facilities
of the processing establishments by an Assessment Panel of Experts who has Fishery specific
knowledge, and that further inspection by officers or designated personnel of FSSAI would only
be duplicating the assessment already done. Consequently, we also requested that the approval
granted to the seafood export processing establishments by the Competent Authority may be
treated as fulfilling the requirements under the section 2.1 of the Act and waive the requirement
for further inspection and monitoring. We are expecting a favorable decision from FSSAI soon.
4.

Issue of Detection of Ethoxyquin, an antioxidant found in the consignments to

Japan and the impact of the same on Indian Seafood Industry.
The detection of Ethoxyquin, an antioxidant, in the shrimps exported to Japan has badly hit
Indias export. Japan rejected more than 52 consignments of shrimps exported from India in the
recent months. There were lot of cancellations of export orders from Japan and this had badly
affected exporters based in Odisha and West Bengal. The problem also caused a drastic
reduction in the prices of farmed shrimp in the Indian market. There was also a fall in export
orders from other major import destinations like Europe and US.
Odisha and West Bengal regions are the most affected areas as around 80 per cent of the black
tiger variety of shrimp produced in these regions is exported to Japan. The aquaculture sector in
Odisha and West Bengal is in crisis as the prices dropped heavily. Already importers have been
asked not to ship the cargo until the issue is sorted out.
Due to this India suffered a serious setback in marine product exports during the April-August
period of the current financial year as the countrys products lost their sheen in major export
markets like Europe and Japan.
Action taken
A delegation from SEAI, on 22 nd August 2012, consisting of National President of SEAI, Secretary
General and Regional Representatives met Secretary Commerce, Joint Secretary Commerce and
Director EIC and apprised them the gravity of the situation. Secretary MOC&I took up the matter
with Officials of Indian Embassy at Tokyo and also agreed for a technical delegation from India
consisting of Chairman MPEDA, Director, EIC and the Indian Embassy officials in Japan. On 27 th
August 2012 Chairman MPEDA convened a meeting of Feed Manufactures and of SEAI. In the
meeting SEAI explained in detail various issues faced by the Industry on account of detection of
Ethoyyquin. The delegation headed by Chairman MPEDA visited Japan in the 1 st week of
September 2012. A very commendable job was done by this team. The unreasonable limits
fixed by the Japanese Authorities for Ethoyyquin contents in shrimps as compared to Ethoyyquin
limit fixed by Japanese Authorities for fish and fish product imports into Japan, were very clearly
pointed out by this delegation. Also the impact of this anomaly on the business of both Japanese
importers and Indian Exporters of frozen shrimp was elucidated in detail. The Indian
Government Authorities at the highest level are sensitized on this issue and are relentlessly
pursuing this issue. These actions will see a positive outcome and solution to the problems
faced by the Indian shrimp exporters to Japan.

Page | 11

5. Aquaculture Infrastructure and Regulatory issues

Many discussions were initiated by SEAI with MPEDA, EIC, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of
Agriculture on the issues of increasing the Quarantine capacity for imported Specific Pathogen
Free [SPF] brood stock of shrimps, pre-harvest certification and Registration of farms. These
issues are very critical for sustaining and increasing production of high yielding and healthy
aquaculture shrimps. These are detailed below:a) Quarantine Facilities:
By virtue of these discussions and dialogue, MPEDA will be almost doubling the existing
quarantine capacity by the end of 2012. MPEDA is also putting up an additional
quarantine which will be ready by June 2013. With these actions, the total quarantine
capacity will meet the requirements of the shrimp aquaculture sector for the next two to
three years.

b) Registration of Farms:
MPEDA is very actively pursuing registration of farms which cannot be otherwise covered
for registration by CAA. Such a process of registration also effectively deals with the
issue of traceability requirement of the Health Authorities in importing countries.
c) Pre Harvest Testing:
The concerns of SEAI on the existing Pre-hearvest testing system and its effectiveness
vis--vis
a. Action protocol on farms and hatcheries on detection of Antibiotic Residues and
b. Its applicability in terms of requirement for exports to non-EEC countries,
were discussed in detail with MPEDA, Ministry of Commerce and EIC. As a result
of a series of dialogues, MPEDA and EIC have worked on improvement of the
effectiveness of the PHT system and the action protocol on farms and also on
reaching out to all farms.
SEAI has again raised issues on its practicality and deficiencies on effectively
operating this system in West Bengal and Orissa. This issue is being closely
followed up by SEAI with the help and support of MPEDA.
6.
Trade issues with importing countries
Indian seafood exporters often face certain obstacles in their attempts to capture overseas
markets. Common problems include the lack of awareness on customs procedures, frequent rate
changes in customs and other levies, procedural complications with regard to customs, absence
of a specified nodal agency in the importing country, ambiguity regarding technical standards,
discriminatory testing norms compared to competitors, unfamiliarity with various rules and
regulations and frequent change in policies of importing countries, without any advance
information etc.
Recent changes in specifications and regulations of some of our most important markets such
as the EU and the US have highlighted the need to address trade impediments in a systematic
manner. Although Indian seafood has strong footing in the EU market, the continuing economic
slowdown has started affecting our seafood exports.

On the other hand, concerned with the increasing uncertainties in world food safety, the US
government has revised norms of imports. The new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is one
of those interventions. This has given rise to a number of complicated requirements for food
manufacturers, processors, packagers, etc. who export to the US. FSMA requires companies to
register with FDA, to designate a US Agent for FDA communication, and to file prior notice, i.e.,
notify FDA before shipments arrive in the US instead of after arrival. The law also grants power

Page | 12

to US FDA to suspend a companys food facility registration and to proactively detain food for 30
days if suspected of adulteration or misbranding. Failure to make required electronic filings,
including registrations, process filings, prior notices, will also lead to detention. Additionally, the
law grants US FDA the power to order, rather than merely request, the recall of tainted food. As
part of each companys food facility registration, the company is required to agree to permit
inspection by US FDA. Importers are required to establish programs to verify the safety of all
shipments of imported food, and US FDA may require certifications of safety for each shipment.
SEAI is closely watching the new regulations and seeking assistance of the Government of India
for a solution.

ACHIEVEMENTS
1.
India International Seafood Show -2012
The 18th India International Seafood Show 2012 (IISS-2102) was jointly Organized by MPEDA and
SEAI, at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, from29th February to 2 nd March 2012.
His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr. K.Rosaiah, inaugurated the event on 28 th
February, 2012 in a grand function at CTC Chennai. Shri.Ganandeep Singh Bedi, IAS, Secretary,
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu delivered
the Keynote address and Chairman, MPEDA welcomed the gathering on the occasion. Secretary
General, SEAI spoke on the status and issues of the marine product exports sector. The
President, SEAI gave a vote of thanks on the occasion.
Technical sessions to the benefit of the seafood processing entrepreneurs were arranged by
Indian and overseas experts on different aspects. There were 210 exhibitors and over 2000
delegates and visitors for the show. The exhibitors included seafood exporters, processors,
buyers and allied Industries related to seafood sector from India and Japan, USA, EU, Vietnam,
Taiwan, Malaysia, Argentina, Singapore, China, USA, Japan, UAE, Turkey, Lebanon and Thailand.
The show had a separate Japan pavilion and a sizeable number of Japanese exhibitors and
delegates attended the show.
In the inaugural ceremony, awards were given to the top exporters in different categories.
Veterans in the Industry were also suitably honorued.
2.
The Foreign Trade Policy continues to be supportive of the sector, at reduced levels.
Efforts are being made to strengthen these supports.
3.
Participation in the European Seafood Exposition-2012 at Brussels.
The 20th edition of the prestigious European Seafood Exposition (ESE) from 24 th to 26th April
2012 at Brussels. witnessed a strong participation of major players from India. ESE, regarded as
the largest seafood show on the globe, had 24 leading seafood exporters from India and
Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) participated along with MPEDA this year.
The Indian Stand had displayed almost all the products produced by the Indian seafood
exporters. Special emphasis was given to promote value added seafood products, particularly
the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products which were prominently displayed.
The co-exhibitors praised the arrangements made by SEAI/MPEDA for effective participation in
ESE 2012. The SEAI exhibition space in the India Pavilion had four freezers with display of a
number of product varieties for the buyer to choose. It was considered one among the largest
displays of seafood arranged in the ESE 2012.
4.

Participation in ISO/TC 234 Held at Boulogne Su Mer .

SEAI participated along with Government of India in the ISO/TC 234 plenary held at Bouglone
Sur Mer from 22nd to 26th November 2011. Mr. Norbert Karikkassery was the nominee from the
Industry.
The Association will be joining the Government of Indian delegation for 32nd Plenary of the
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products which is being held from 1-5 th October at Bali,

Page | 13

Indonesia and 6th ISO/TC 234 scheduled to be held at Reykjavik, Iceland between 6 th to 8th
November 2012.
5.
Common Pre-processing Centre at Balramgarhi- Orissa
The proposal for a Common pre-processing center in Balramgarhi landing Center in Balramgarhi,
duly recommended by SEAI, was submitted to MPEDA in 2009. MPEDA finally communicated the
sanction of the project vide their letter no. 2-7/CPC-BAL/2009/QC/HO Dt. 6.2.2012 advising us to
register the land. The land was duly inspected by MPEDA and the registration of land was
completed on 29.3.2012, jointly in the name of MPEDA and SEAI, at a total expenditure of
Rs.47.81 lac. The land development work like boundary wall, land filling work is under progress.
Members have contributed Rs.55 lac for the project.
F. MANAGING COMMITTEE MEMBERS STATEMENTS
COMPANIES ACT 1958

IN

TERMS

OF

SECTION 217(2AA)

OF THE

The Managing Committee Members hereby confirm:

1. that in the preparation of Annual Accounts, the applicable accounting standards have
been followed.
2. that the Managing Committee members have selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the
end of the financial year.
3. that the Managing Committee members have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act 1956 for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities:
4. that the Managing Committee Members have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis

Page | 14

G. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In conclusion, on behalf of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, we wish to take this
opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Shri Anand Sharma, the Honble Minister of
Commerce & Industry , Mr.Rahul Kullar, Secretary- MOC, Mr.P.K.Chaudhery, Additional Secretary
and Chairman EIC, Joint Secretaries Mr. D.S.Dhesi, Mr. Rajeev Kher, and the entire Team of
Directors and other officers, who have dealt effectively with the issues of our sector.
Dr. Anup K Pujari, Director General of Foreign Trade, and his entire team, deserve a special
mention of gratitude, by the industry, for having extended their full support to the Industry.
We would also very specially like to thank Ms. Leena Nair IAS, Chairman MPEDA, and the entire
team of MPEDA officials for their totally proactive support and tremendous initiative extended to
the trade. Such an approach has been one of the primary reasons for the growth achieved last
year.
A similar approach, in tandem with MPEDA, by EIC headed by the extremely practically and
humble Dr. Saxena, Director and his team has also contributed very significantly to such a
growth. We would like to thank Dr. Saxena Director, Export Inspection Council of India, and his
entire team for their support and assistance rendered to the industry. We also thank all the
Export Inspection Agency officials throughout the country.
We like to place on record our thanks to Mr. Tarun Shridhar Joint Secretary (Fisheries) who has
always been helpful to the industry.
The entire team of officials in the Ministry of Commerce, Agriculture, Revenue and all other
ministries, have always been helpful to the seafood industry. We record our sincere thanks to
these Officials.
We also would like to place on record our thanks for the assistance received from Port Trusts,
Customs Departments, Shipping Companies, Financial Institutions and the various Central and
State Authorities, Research Institutions like CIFT, CMFRI, CIFNET, FSI, IFP and the State Fisheries
Departments.
We are particularly obliged to the Press and the various media for their service and support and
we look forward for their continued patronage to our Association.
We also like to express our deep gratitude to all the individuals and institutions that have either
directly or indirectly contributed to the welfare of the Association. We also wish to thank all our
members for their wholehearted support and contribution.
We thank all the Regional Presidents and all the office bearers of the regions for their effective
participation and support in the activities of the Association.
Finally, we would like to thank the Secretary and Staff of the Association for their sincere
commitments and hard work in discharging their duties.
CONCLUSION
As we conclude, we want put a thought before you. How much the Industry is prepared to face
the new International scenario? Investing in compliance is much cheaper than being at the
receiving end of a failed inspection or detention in importing countries. Detentions invariably
mean demurrage, laboratory testing fees, warehousing fees, product reconditioning costs,
expense of return freight, and the risk of losing a customer.

The best bet, therefore, is to prepare ourselves to meet the challenge. Moreover, there should
be continuous interaction with our foreign markets through exchange of delegations, enhancing

Page | 15

participation in each other's trade fairs and seminars and facilitating trade through positive
initiatives. Basically, the need of the hour is a consistent and long-term marketing strategy. It is
equally important to focus on developing value-added, high-grade products.

D.B.RAVI REDDY
NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Page | 16