Trade

Substantial quantity of crabs and crab products are also being exported from India. The details of the live crab export from India is given below. The unit value realized for live crabs increased from Rs. 119/kg in 1996 to Rs. 195/kg in 2003 showing a steady increase in demand for live crabs in the international market. At present, crabs are sold under three different categories — small ones, (weighing 400- 500 gm) at Rs. 180/kg; big ones (500-750 gm) at Rs. 230/kg and excel (above 750 gm) at Rs. 360/kg.

Exports from crabs and crab products from India were mostly confined to four types of products till recently. During 2000, the total number of crab products in India's export basket rose to 11, indicating there is an increasing demand for diversified crab products. The different items in the export basket are crab shells, frozen cut swimming crab, frozen mud crab, frozen crab claws, frozen whole crab, frozen soft shell crab, frozen stuffed crab, frozen pasteurized crab, frozen crab meat, frozen cut crab with claws and live crabs. Total crab exports were 1.1 % of the total marine exports in terms of quantity in 1996 increased to 1.47 % in 2000. The crab exports stood 6197 mt in 2000 and the value realized was US$ 5.5 million in 2000 indicating their enormous scope in the export market.

Annual yield from crab fattening was significantly higher than crab culture. About 5-6 crops could be obtained annually through crab fattening as against only 2 crops from crab culture. Average yield from crab culture was 2,800 kg/ha/crop and that from fattening was 3,100 kg/ha/crop. Average Body Weight (ABW) of the crabs obtained through culture was 800 g, whereas that of fattening was 850 g. The weight increase after 30-40 days of fattening was very little, ranging 50-100 g. Average Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) calculated for 4-5 months culture was 4.9, which was higher compared to that of other aquaculture species cultures locally.

Mud crab trade in the region has shown a consistently increasing trend in the past few years. Malaysia and Singapore are the main markets in the region. Apart from local production, these two countries absorb about 10 tonnes of live mud crab a day, imported from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

The export of live mud crab from India and Sri Lanka started in the early and mid 80's, respectively, but has been a recent development in Bangladesh. The fact that mud crabs survive in air for about 4-5 days (under optimum conditions) has enabled their shipment to distant markets. Improved packaging and handling techniques have also significantly contributed towards the increase in regional trade.

The preference for ovigerous female crab and the high price they command, as compared to immature females and males, in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, is of serious concern due to its implications for recruitment to natural populations. There seem to be significant fluctuations in the market price of mud crab due to the wide seasonal variations in the landings. Increasing production through culture and fattening could contribute to a more stable situation.

Live Crab Exporters in India

• MSB AQUATECH, Chennai • Madras Seafoods, Chennai

• Sulu Exports Pvt. Ltd., Chennai