With the Odisha Government trying to increase seafood exports to Rs 20,000 crore in next five years, experts see a lot of opportunities in a Norwegian collaboration to explore seafood processing, marine cage culture and re-circulatory aquaculture technology in the State for mutual development.
An interactive seminar was held here on March 22 on the occasion of the visit of Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag and other delegates.
Agriculture Production Commissioner Gagan Kumar Dhal, Fisheries & ARD Department Secretary Bishnupada Sethi, Fisheries Director BK Upadhyaya and Sea Food Exporters Association of India (Odisha Region) president Ajay Dash were present along with other leaders of industries including those from the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ambassador Kamsvag said Norway has a distinct history of seafood export which dates back to 1875. He discussed about the technology developed for deep sea fishing and called for more consumption of calorie from seafood.
He hinted about AQUANOR which is the biggest seafood fair in Norway; and in 2017, this event is going to be held from August 15 to 18. He invited exporters and industry leaders to participate in it.
Bishnupada Sethi looked forward to exchange of ideas and visit of a delegation from Odisha to Norway for firsthand experience on the best practices in the seafood industry. He discussed about the role of NICCI (Norway India Chamber of Commerce and Industry), an independent association promoting business relations between Norway and India.
Sea Food Exporters Association of India (OR) vice-president Prof Kamalesh Mishra spoke on the historic and economic importance of Odisha and Norway and called for a mutual dialogue on organic shrimp culture, cage culture and exchange of ideas between Norway and Odisha.