Gujarat’s small fish exporting facilities have now seen a silver lining amid the gloomy times that had gripped the sector after China adopted a negative stance, refusing to accept Indian fish.
After the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) decided to assist these units in conducting microbiology tests on the catch at their own laboratories, hope now shines on the state’s beleaguered fishing industry, which enjoyed exports of around Rs 5,000 crore per year prior to the Covid era. The laboratory upgrade will not only enhance export quality, but will also minimise rejections by importing nations, allowing industry players to sell to European countries without hesitation.
Veraval town, the state’s fish processing centre, has over 100 units where fish from all around the state is brought in for processing and exporting. Porbandar and south Gujarat also have a few units.
According to export regulations, these processing plants must have an in-house laboratory for microbiology testing to identify germs in food. A fish exporter is required to generate batches and test raw and processed fish.
Importing nations have very strict cleanliness requirements, and if germs are found in the fish, the entire container is rejected, according to fish exporters.
More rejections would taint the country’s reputation as an exporter.
According to industry sources, South India’s export is regarded as superior than Gujarat’s in several nations in terms of quality.
Ravishankar C N, Director of CIFT, inked an MoU with four Veraval-based businesses and one Porbandar-based company in Veraval on Saturday to enhance exporters’ facilities.
According to Ashish Kumar Jha, scientist at CIFT Veraval, “this is the initial step, and we will sign MoUs with other plants that require upgrading.” We will assist them in raising their standards to reach international norms. We will provide them with a standard configuration that includes chemicals needed for testing, temperature and humidity control, and other essential equipment. Our experts will personally visit their facilities and teach the lab personnel in these locations.”
Container rejection also has a significant cost for exporters, according to trade specialists, who estimate the cost at about $25,000 each rejection.
Naresh Vanik, Secretary of Gujarat Seafood Exporters Association, stated that the exporters only hope that their containers bound for Europe pass the entrance checks.
“Upgrading our labs will give that security for us. If we find any microorganisms in the raw fish, we will not process it further and will not export it. As a result, we will save time and money. The enhanced quality will result in increased demand from countries other than China.”