Dodda Venkaty Swamy, chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), reiterated that India with its “robust regulatory framework” for its seafood processing units, and “stringent checks and controls” to ensure compliance with international standards are baselessly being attacked by the US media with a false propaganda and vested interests.
He reassured global consumers while denying accusations of labour abuse, unsanitary working conditions and food safety violations in the shrimp supply chain. He said that regular monitoring and inspections of the country’s many seafood operations were conducted by the Indian authorities.
The head of the government body in India responsible for promoting the country’s seafood exports has given Indian shrimp industry a clean chit and vehemently denies the accusations levelled upon the shrimp industry by media reports.
“MPEDA reassures US customers and global buyers of our commitment to produce and supply high quality seafood products that adhere to stringent safety and sustainability standards,” Swamy told IntraFish in writing as a fitting response to queries.
“India’s seafood value chain upholds ethical practices, ensuring that Indian shrimp products continue to be a preferred choice worldwide.”
India’s shrimp industry has come under fire following the reports by US-based non-profit group the Corporate Accountability Lab, the Associated Press news agency and investigative journalism group The Outlaw Ocean Project.
Swamy called the reports “baseless and unsubstantiated”. India is the largest exporter of shrimp to the United States. It supplied 296,000 metric tons to the US market last year, worth more than $2.3 billion (€2.1 billion).
The fact that Indian seafood products presence in “more than 129 overseas markets” was a strong signal that “production is sustainable thus assuring customer acceptance and demand in Indian seafood.” according to Mr Swamy Swamy
argued that shrimp farming and processing in India has triggered development of rural infrastructure and generated huge employment opportunities, both direct and indirect, in millions of rural communities.
Mr Swamy specifically addressed reports that claimed workers in the industry were subjected to ill treatment, reiterating that labour rights in India were enshrined in the constitution. The central and state governments had legislative power to protect the workers.
“With the widespread usage of social media in this era of digital literacy, any such matters will get immediate attention, prompting action by the concerned authorities.
Indian Shrimp sector is not shaken by such sinister attacks intended to derail the growing Indian shrimp industry.
Blogger:
Dr. Sathish Prasad
Senior Scientist – Aquatic Animal Health
Growel Innovation Center,
RS NO.57, Chevuru Village, Sriharipuram Panchayat, Mudinepalli Mandal, Krishna District – Andhra Pradesh India – 521329
Email: [email protected]