A GPS-based database of export-oriented aquaculture farms in India is being developed to ensure that shrimp and other exportable fish varieties are traceable and free from banned antibiotics and other unwanted substances.
Under the initiative to boost quality control, India’s Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is enrolling farms producing shrimp, shellfish and other exportable varieties of fish by collecting data with GPS devices and providing farmers with cards carrying a unique identification number (Farm ID) and Quick Response (QR) code containing basic information about their farms. Produce from enrolled units can then be traced through the supply chain through GPS if unwanted or unauthorised substances are detected.
Speaking about the enrolment process, MPEDA chairman Dr Jayathilak said: “Such a measure would go a long way in addressing concerns of USA, Japan and the EU for stringent quality controls over exports of seafood and check traces of banned antibiotics in consignments.”
Product coding
The government’s Pre-harvest Test (PHT) to screen farms for banned antibiotics is linked with farm IDs and the QR Code enables key information to be electronically coded for display on consumer cartons/packs.
An estimated 100,000 farms covering about 195,994 hectares are involved in India’s shrimp industry. Out of this, MPEDA has collected GPS data for 65,595 farms covering 148,321 hectares, while enrolment has been completed for 54,165 farms. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 65,000 farmers covering an area of over 75,000 hectares has been enrolled in nine coastal districts of the state.
MPEDA also trains farmers for Best Management Practices (BMPs) and conducts awareness campaigns to sensitize them about the ill-effects of antibiotics.
