New facility to improve shrimp quality

To enhance the quality of the shrimp exported from India, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will set up a world-class Common Pre-processing Centre (CPC) at Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district of Kerala in partnership with the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).

Ambalappuzha is known for its skilled manpower for pre-processing small shrimp and has 137 such pre-processing centres. But, unhygienic operations in the peeling sheds and collection centres are a threat to the quality of shrimp exported from India.

Lately, the rejection of seafood consignments has been on the increase due to the poor quality of products, especially in the EU. So, MEPDA proposed such a common centre adhering to global standards to overcome quality-related issues.

SEAI has acquired 0.5 acres in Ambalappuzha and the centre will have facilities of global standards like change rooms, chill room for raw/finished material storage, water purification system, chemical store, testing facilities, ice crushing room, rest room and ice plant.

The facility can provide employment for 600 women as shrimp peeling is mainly done by women workers.

Investment to the tune of Rs 3.06 crore is envisaged for the first of its kind project in the country. MPEDA will provide Rs 25 lakh, SEAI will extend Rs 35 lakh and Rs 2.46 crore will be arranged through assistance to states for infrastructure development and exports. S Sarma, minister for Fisheries of Government of Kerala will lay the foundation stone of the centre on January 18.