A new, contest-winning certification logo and an innovative Web GIS portal signal MPEDA’s commitment to quality, traceability, and empowering India’s aquaculture sector for global markets.
Kochi, India, 2 March 2025: In a significant stride towards bolstering the global standing of Indian shrimp, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has officially launched the SHAPHARI certification logo alongside its complementary Aqua Trace Web GIS portal. This pivotal twin initiative is set to revolutionize how Indian shrimp is certified for export, empowering aquaculture farmers and field officers with state-of-the-art tools for farm enrollment, meticulous management, and unwavering adherence to international quality standards.
Crafting a Symbol of Trust: The SHAPHARI Logo Design Contest
The journey to create a distinctive visual identity for this critical certification began with a nationwide call for creativity. MPEDA organized a logo design contest, offering a ₹10,000 cash prize, to source a design that would encapsulate the core principles of the SHAPHARI programme.
MPEDA is pleased to announce the winner: RP Kiran Kumar, a talented PG Diploma holder in Advertising & PR from Madurai Kamaraj University. His insightful and compelling design has been chosen as the official emblem for SHAPHARI Certification by MPEDA, poised to become a recognized mark of quality and trust for Indian shrimp in demanding global markets.
Understanding the SHAPHARI Mark: Every Element Tells a Story
The SHAPHARI logo is meticulously designed to communicate its mission at a glance, with each component thoughtfully integrated:
- The “S” Form: Prominently features the letter “S,” directly symbolizing Shrimp – the primary focus of this comprehensive certification programme.
- Structured Polygon: This geometric element represents the controlled environments – such as farms and hatcheries – that are fundamental to producing high-quality, certified aquaculture products.
- Stylized “Eyes”: These subtly incorporated elements reflect the global export reach of Indian shrimp and the certification’s alignment with international market expectations.
- Green Tick Mark: A universally understood symbol, the green tick conveys approval, trust, and unwavering compliance with the stringent high standards mandated by the SHAPHARI certification.
Collectively, the logo clearly communicates SHAPHARI’s dedication to certifying shrimp production entities specifically for export, ensuring that Indian shrimp meets and exceeds the rigorous quality benchmarks of the international seafood trade.
Aqua Trace: Digitizing Excellence in Aquaculture Management
Launched in tandem with the SHAPHARI logo, Aqua Trace is MPEDA’s innovative Web GIS (Geographic Information System) portal. This powerful technological platform is engineered to:
- Empower Farmers & Field Officers: Providing them with essential digital tools for seamless farm enrollment and efficient day-to-day management.
- Enhance Traceability: Offering robust capabilities to track shrimp from farm to export, a critical factor for food safety and market access.
- Support Sustainable Practices: By facilitating better data collection and management, Aqua Trace will contribute to more informed and sustainable aquaculture operations.
Forging a Connected, Efficient, and Sustainable Future
The launch of the SHAPHARI logo and the Aqua Trace portal underscores MPEDA’s proactive vision for the Indian aquaculture industry. As MPEDA aptly states, “Together, we’re building a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aquaculture sector!”
These strategic initiatives are set to significantly elevate the credibility of Indian shrimp exports, equip farmers with the tools necessary for success in a competitive global landscape, and provide international buyers with renewed assurance in the quality, safety, and traceability of products bearing the SHAPHARI mark. MPEDA continues to lead the charge in fostering innovation and best practices, cementing India’s position as a premier and trusted global supplier of high-quality marine products.