USFDA Inspection Fuels Optimism for Odisha Shrimp Seed Industry
Shrimp seed producers in Odisha are expressing renewed optimism about enhancing their production and export capabilities following a recent visit by a United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) team. The inspection, conducted over the last two days, targeted hatcheries and shrimp farms across the state, including key locations in Gopalpur within Ganjam district, to assess quality standards.
Comprehensive Quality Checks Conducted
The five-member USFDA team, on a multi-state tour from February 23 to March 6 that includes visits to Kochi and Surat, carried out detailed inspections. On Thursday, they examined a farm at Astaranga in Puri district. According to Kameswar Rao, advisor of the Odisha Shrimp Seed Hatchery Owners’ Association (OSSHOA), the team expressed satisfaction with the standards maintained at the shrimp seed hatchery in Gopalpur.
Out of the 37 shrimp hatcheries in Odisha, 32 are situated in Gopalpur, with 27 currently operational. Rao highlighted that the shrimp seed producers faced challenges last year due to decreased demand, attributed to increased US tariffs on Indian exports, including shrimp. He stated, "After their quality check, we are hopeful that the production of the seed will get a boost."
Inspection Process and Regulatory Compliance
The inspection process involved officials from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department of the state government. Bharat Bhusan Sahu, the district fishery officer, noted that the team reviewed production processes and inspected records related to feed management, seed production, sales, and other operational documents.
During the visit, the team inspected various units of the hatchery, gathering first-hand information on critical systems such as the sea-water intake system, UV and ozone filtration processes, laboratory culture procedures, and treatment protocols. Detailed discussions were held with CAA representatives and government officials regarding regulatory compliance, biosecurity measures, and quality assurance standards.
Additional Farm Visits and Future Prospects
The USFDA team also visited a brackish water shrimp farm at Palur, where they conducted a review of seed procurement, input purchases, and farm registers. Officials indicated that a favourable report from the inspection could strengthen export prospects and further boost the aquaculture sector in Odisha, particularly in Ganjam district.
Despite previous setbacks from US tariff pressures, which impacted seafood units in the state, Odisha has continued to be a top exporter, with high-quality frozen shrimp leading the sector. The government has emphasized antibiotic-free shrimp production, aiming for a target of Rs 10,000 crore in seafood exports by 2030.
This inspection marks a significant step towards enhancing the global competitiveness of Odisha's shrimp industry, potentially opening new avenues for growth and sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
