Despite the huge potential offered by the rich diversity and environment, export of ornamental fish from India continues to remain negligible. Ornamental fish exports have increased from Rs 3.2 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 5.6 crore in 2006-07, but it remains quite insignificant compared to the export of food fish, which is worth Rs 8,000 crore per annum.
After years of dithering, the state-run Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has evolved a vision to boost exports to $50 million by 2012.
A study conducted by the School of Industrial Fisheries of the Cochin University of Science and Technology reports that India’s share of the total global trade worth ($282 million) stands at 0.4%. Experts say that India can emerge as a big supplier for ornamental fish with the rich biodiversity in the northeastern hills and Western Ghats. There are more than 300 species of fresh water fish in the Western Ghats alone, out of which 150 can be bred.
However, the study points out that the ornamental fish industry in the nation was scattered with low production volumes. Inadequate transport facility, high airfreight charges and lesser or non-availability of quality brood stock was hampering growth. The study also points out that 90% of the ornamental fish export was based on wild collection. Unlike food fisheries, capture based export is not sustainable in ornamental fish trade and it is a matter of concern for the industry.
In order to sustain the growth it is necessary to shift the focus from capture to culture based development. Organised trade in ornamental fish depends on assured and adequate supply of demand, which is possible only by mass breeding.
MPEDA is working towards the goal by developing captive breeding technology for indigenous varieties of ornamental fish. Other capacity building measures include developing strategies to network ornamental fish breeders in India, standardising methods for diagnosing viral diseases in ornamental fishes, cluster development and facilitating access to cheaper credit.