I am happy to be a part of the third edition of Indaquaria organized by MPEDA in association with OFI, the Netherlands. I understand that the first and second Indaquarias held at Cochin and Kolkata respectively in 2008 and 2009 were a grand success and the impressive feedback from these events have helped MPEDA to organize the show in 2010 in a much better way. In various capacities, I have been associating with MPEDA for a long time and hence it is a matter of joy that I have the privilege of inaugurating this prestigious event.
As you all are aware, that when we hear about ornamental fish an aquarium will naturally come to our mind. Leaving its trading value, the multitude of other benefits being gained through watching aquaria should also be thought of at this juncture. Studies have shown that gazing at aquarium fish reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure. Even patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience a variety of health benefits from watching an aquarium. It has also been shown to calm children who suffer from hyperactivity disorders and also soothes dental patients etc.
The global ornamental fish industry is a multi-million dollar industry that supports thousands of rural people in the developing countries. The global ornamental fish trade in retail level is worth more than US$ 8 billion while the entire industry including plants, accessories, aquarium, feed, medications etc. is estimated to be worth more than US $ 18-20 billion. The developing countries contribute to the tune of about 60-65% of the ornamental fish traded. The major markets for ornamental fish are the Europe, USA and Japan. The major suppliers of ornamental fish to these markets are South East Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, etc , Sri Lanka, Israel and Czech Republic. Florida in USA is a major supplier of ornamental fish in USA and Japan is a major supplier of Koi Carp.
The Indian ornamental fish export sector is a small but vibrant segment with tremendous potential for growth and large-scale employment generation. India is endowed with a rich resource based of varied agro-climatic conditions and abundant natural resources of more than 300 species of fresh water and marine ornamental species in addition to favourable water quality for the captive breeding of ornamental fishes. If the rural entrepreneurs are trained in ornamental fish production, supported with appropriate technology, production infrastructure and provided with marketing infrastructure and an enabling environment, India could surely become a leading supplier in the international trade. Besides, India has a huge potential domestic market. If the ten percent of the 200 million house holds in India keeps aquaria, India would have a market as big as the European ornamental fish market.
The ornamental fish exports from India are mostly dependent on wild caught fishes and the main collection areas are Western Ghats, North East India, West Bengal and Parts of Bihar and Uthar Pradesh. The Ornamental fish exports have increased from Rs.79.42 lakh in 1997-98 to Rs.543.26 lakh in 2008-09. However, the productivity of ornamental fish sector in India is abysmally low when compared to other major contributors such as Singapore. The major ornamental fish breeding centers in India are Kolkota, Kerala, Chennai and Mumbai, but the untapped potential from other states also need to be exploited for the sector to make a remarkable contribution to our exports.
Realising the importance of the ornamental fish sector in generating employment and earning foreign exchange, the Marine Products Export Development Authority has formulated a scheme named “ Rainbow Revolution “ and with the approval of Government of India has started implementing the scheme since 2006. Under the scheme it is proposed to establish 7200 breeding units with the production capacity of 500 million fishes of which 300 million fishes are to be exported. I am happy to state that tremendous progress has been achieved in the scheme because of the active involvement of MPEDA, Central Government Institutions as well as the State Government. As on today about 300 units have been established with an additional production capacity of 70 million fishes
Employment generation in rural and semi urban areas is a by-product of the developmental schemes in ornamental fish sector. I understand that, the MPEDA’s schemes under the aegis of rainbow revolution of India has made remarkable impact on expanding the production base, bridging technology gaps and also in developing marketing linkages.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture, through NFDB is formulating various developmental schemes in the ornamental fish sector which includes:
1. Ornamental fish backyard hatcheries for women self help groups/ Fisherwomen co operatives /others – with a maximum subsidy amount of Rs 50,000/-.
2. Ornamental fish backyard hatcheries for women individuals – with a maximum subsidy amount of Rs 2 lakh.
3. Integrated ornamental fishery units with hatcheries.
4. Setting up of Aquarium fabrication units for women self help groups/ Fisherwomen co operatives /others -with a maximum subsidy amount of Rs 50,000/-.
Apart from NFDB, the various research institutions under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, educational institutions and NGOs can play a major role for the development of appropriate technologies, their dissemination to the end users and thereby strengthening our resources.
Considering the richness of the natural resources and strategic geographical location, India has immense potential to emerge as a prominent player in the global trade of ornamental fishes. The aquashows and similar events organised very often in various parts of the country and the crowd turnout for these underlines the fact that ornamental fish sector of India is destined to reach an enviable position in the near future.
The export promotion body of the seafood from India is now arranging this INDAQUARIA -2010 to expose the breeders and the exporters to the new developments happening in the global scenario by arranging technical sessions, business sessions and an exposition of aquarium fishes and its ancillary industries.
I congratulate MPEDA for organizing this remarkable event and wish all the very best for the successful culmination of the programme. I am pleased to inaugurate this Show.
