Thoppumpady (Kochi): Kerala’s fisheries sector is reeling under severe crisis as Japan, following the United States, has slashed its import of shrimp. This downturn has dealt a heavy blow to fish export firms in Kerala. Previously imported shrimp by Japanese companies remain unsold, leading to a drastic reduction in new purchases from India.
Japan has reduced imports due to economic recession whereas the US banned shrimp imports from India for reasons related to sea turtle protection. Export firms in Kerala are now unable to ship their stocked goods, further intensifying the impact.
Adding to the woes, countries like the UK are also scaling back shrimp imports, and China is purchasing shrimp only at cheaper rates. The entire seafood export sector in Kerala is facing an unprecedented crisis.
This crisis is hitting hardest during Kerala’s peak shrimp season, particularly affecting workers who depend on shrimp fishing. Poovalan shrimp (brown shrimp), a favourite in European countries, has seen a drastic price drop from Rs 200-220 per kg to Rs 65-80 per kg due to reduced exports. Prices for all shrimp varieties have plummeted accordingly.
Workers are compelled to sell shrimp at significantly lower prices, and thousands have lost their jobs as exports came to a halt. Fish processing factories in Kochi and Alappuzha, along with peeling sheds employing women workers, have shut down. Some export firms have even closed their operations.
Efforts to address the US ban
Alex K Ninan, Vice President of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, has mentioned ongoing government efforts to address the US ban and suggested equipping boats with special gadgets (for saving sea turtles) as a potential solution.
Call for MPEDA intervention
Zubair Palluruthy, President of the Seafood Processors Suppliers Association, emphasised the urgent need for intervention from MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) to support the thousands facing economic hardship.
Call for government intervention
Charles George, State President of the Kerala Fishermen’s Union, asked for immediate intervention by the state government to acknowledge the plight of thousands left unemployed in the fisheries sector despite having shrimp resources.
Source: Mathrubhumi
