Shaphari Scheme:
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Shaphari is a Sanskrit word that means the superior quality of fishery products suitable for human consumption.
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Purpose: It is an Antibiotics free Certification Scheme. It certifies hatcheries and farms for the production of antibiotic-free shrimp products. By doing that, it aims to:
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enhance the consumer confidence,
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meet international standards
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promote hassle-free export
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Launched by: Marine Products Export Development Authority(MPEDA)
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Based on: The scheme is based on the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s technical guidelines on aquaculture certification.
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Components: The scheme will have two components:
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Certifying hatcheries for the quality of their seeds and
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Separately approving shrimp farms that adopt the requisite good practices.
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Significance: The certification of fish hatcheries under the Shaphari Scheme will help farmers easily identify good quality seed producers. Those who successfully clear multiple audits of their operations shall receive a certificate for a period of two years.
Why was this Scheme launched?
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India is the second-largest fish producer in the world.
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Fish Sector provides employment to 14 million people in harvesting, processing packaging, and distribution.
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Frozen shrimp is the largest exported item from India. It constitutes 50.58% in quantity and 73.2% in terms of total U.S. dollar earnings from the sector during 2019-20.
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India exported frozen shrimp worth almost $5 billion in 2019-20 to the U.S. and China — its biggest buyers.
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Major Producing States: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are the major shrimp producing States.
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However, a combination of factors had hurt export volumes in recent months including container shortages and incidents of seafood consignments being rejected because of food safety concerns. Hence, the scheme was launched.