The Centre has committed to assisting state governments in maximizing the fisheries sector’s potential to achieve a target of Rs 1 lakh crore for seafood exports. A comprehensive government approach aims to create more opportunities for fishers, farmers, processors, startups, and MSMEs, as stated in an official announcement.
The recent National Workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam emphasized a collective effort among Central Ministries, state governments, industry stakeholders, exporters, research institutions, and entrepreneurs to enhance India’s seafood export ecosystem. The focus was on sustainable production, value addition, traceability, certification, infrastructure development, innovation, and market diversification.
Key national institutions such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the Export Inspection Council (EIC), the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), NABARD, NCDC, NCEL, SFAC, and Invest India, along with various seafood export stakeholders, participated in the workshop. Discussions centered on transitioning to value-added exports, promoting innovation and advanced technologies, and strengthening traceability systems to boost India’s global seafood brand.
Efforts were also directed towards expanding export infrastructure and logistics, including cold chain, air cargo, and quarantine facilities, to facilitate efficient and compliant trade. Emphasis was placed on enhancing exports from inland fisheries, promoting ready-to-eat products and high-value species, and ensuring sustainability, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in the seafood export sector.
Officials highlighted the importance of a holistic government approach, improvement of logistics, and encouragement of investment, innovation, and private sector engagement to develop a resilient seafood export ecosystem. The significance of scaling up production, enhancing traceability, and leveraging deep-sea and EEZ resources through ongoing reforms and flagship schemes was underscored by key officials from relevant departments.
