Government holds meeting to address US ban on sea shrimp exports; Ice factories in crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has held a meeting to find a solution to the ban on the export of sea shrimps imposed by the United States in the name of sea turtle conservation. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian informed that a meeting of fishermen association representatives, boat owners, exporters and concerned officials will be held on July 24 in this regard.

The United States cites the reason for the embargo as sea turtles, a protected species, get caught in nets. A 2019 US ban on shrimp imports from India is still in place. In the wake of the US ban, other countries are also buying shrimp from India at prices that have been reduced by more than half. This crisis has led to a fall in the price of sea shrimps in the domestic market as well. The government called the meeting in the context of this continuing to be a big setback for the fishing sector.

Meanwhile, the ice plants that depend on the fish market are facing a severe crisis in the state. Ice companies are challenged by low fish stocks, shutdown of exporting companies, and unscientific fishing. Many factories are under threat of closure. Even government-owned institutions are in crisis. Many have been temporarily suspended. High cost of ammonia and salt required for manufacturing is also a problem. Annual maintenance and taxes can cost a lot of money. As there is no demand for ice, the industrialists are holding back by reducing the production level.

About 600 small and big ice factories are functioning in the state. In this situation, the Kerala State Ice Manufacturers Association demands that the government should provide assistance for the existence of ice factories.