ORGANIC FARMING

Organic fish production

Organic fish farming is a relatively new concept that is still in the early stages of development. Organic fish farming systems and standards that define them are in the process of continuous refinement.  However, for the present requirements, three basic issues have to be conformed with for setting up standards. Also, the use of pesticides, dyes and antibiotics, which are conventionally used in aquaculture are not permitted.

Water is the most critical factor, the quality of which plays an important role in the quality of the fish product. Standards are set for the quality and purity of the incoming and outgoing water. The feed, consisting of fishmeal, fish oil, cereal-based products, vitamins and minerals etc. should be organically produced. National standards in this regard are being set, which the farmers and exporters who seek eco-labelling will have to abide by.

The global demand for organic fish and fish products is estimated at over $20 billion (Rs. 9 lakh crores). US and Europe which are the major organic fish markets import a major bulk of India's marine fish products. For India, if the marine shrimp exporter can get 25 per cent of their products labelled as organic, it will fetch an additional export revenue of Rs 3,000 crore annually. For facilitating the export potential, many countries, including the European Union have formulated specific standards and guidelines for organic fish products, distinct from organic farm products. The decision of the US to allow labelling of wild seafood as organic is another such initiative.

Organic fish farming

There is unprecedented growth in the demand for organic food and new areas of organic food production such as fish are becoming increasingly popular. The term "organic" implies that certain standards for production and processing are adhered to and that impartial organisations take part in the inspection and certification process.

The Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme through its Codex Alimentarius Commission has developed the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods, 1999. Many aspects of organic farming are important elements of a systems approach to sustainable food production, including in developing countries, both for domestic consumption and export. Organic agriculture are holistic production management systems which promote and enhance agroecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. Organic production systems are based on specific and precise standards of production which aim at achieving optimal agro-ecosystems which are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable.

As for organic aquaculture, interest in the practical, technical and in the normative aspects is growing very fast among the various stakeholders including producers and their associations, traders, consumers of aquaculture products, and regulators and government representatives. In addition, there are already significant initiatives in several regions with regard to various aspects of organic farming of finfish and shellfish. For example, draft standards of specific reference to organic aquaculture production have been developed by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). These standards cover carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous organisms of all stages grown in any form of enclosures such as earthen ponds, tanks and cages (open and closed systems).

Last updated: 04-1-2008