The Hindu Business Line : Use of anti-biotic residues hits AP shrimp exports

SHRIMP exports from the State have suffered a setback as some consignments to the US, Japan and Europe have been rejected on the ground that they contain anti-biotic residues. The value of the rejected consignments is roughly estimated at Rs 20-25 crore.

The problem of anti-biotic residues cropped up a few years ago seriously. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) took up a campaign then to educate the farmers and it seemed to have had some impact on their mindset.

The MPEDA at that time released a list of chemicals and anti-biotics not to be used in shrimp culture. Experts advised the farmers to desist from using anti-biotics and to use pro-biotics instead. The campaign seemed to have some effect on the farmers. But the problem seems to have recurred.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Seafood Exporters' Association, there is a need to educate farmers, especially from the two Godavari districts, about the repercussions of using anti-biotics. The exporters, stuck with the rejected consignments, have stopped purchase of shrimps from farmers for the time being.

The MPEDA and the association held a meeting this week at Bhimavaram in West Godavari district to apprise the farmers of the problem.

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