Fish exports jump by 20% in first quarter 2014

Fish exports jump by 20% in first quarter 2014

Sri Lanka’s fish exports had increased by 20% during the first quarter of this year(2014), compared to the same period last year(2013), Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.

Sri Lanka earned USD 95.68 million from fish exports in the first quarter of this year, making the fisheries sector the top export income earner in the agricultural sector.

In agriculture export, there has been an increase of 19%. Tea exports increased by 14.5%.

During the last four years, the income derived from fish exports had gradually increased along with the quantum of fish exports,

During the first quarter of the year 2010, the income from fish export was Rs. 5.7 billion. In 2011 it was Rs.6.85 billion, in 2012 Rs.9.0 billion and in 2013 Rs.10.2 billion,the minister said.

During the last three years, the annual fish exports increased systematically. During 2011 fish exports earned Rs.21.9 billion, Rs. 26.4 billion in 2012 and Rs. 31.8 billion in 2013.

Dr. Senaratne said that his ministry had taken measures to improve the fish exports further and expected to earn Rs. 40 billion by the end of 2015 and Rs.50 billion by 2016.