Centre, Andhra Pradesh and industry stakeholders align on traceability, processing, logistics and premium seafood exports as India targets the next phase of growth in the blue economy.

Key Highlights

• India targets ₹1 lakh crore seafood exports after achieving a record ₹73,000+ crore in FY 2025-26.
• National Seafood Export Workshop held in Visakhapatnam with participation from key Union ministries and industry leaders.
• Focus on value-added seafood products, traceability and international quality compliance.
• Smart Integrated Fishing Harbour approved for Kakinada under PMMSY.
• Government pushes for stronger cold-chain, cargo and export infrastructure.
• Inland fisheries identified as a major untapped export opportunity.
• Start-ups, MSMEs and food processors expected to play a larger role in export growth.
• Andhra Pradesh reinforces its position as India’s leading seafood production and export hub.

India Targets Global Seafood Leadership with New Export Growth Strategy

Visakhapatnam, June 5: India is preparing for the next phase of growth in its seafood industry, with policymakers, exporters and industry stakeholders outlining a roadmap to achieve ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports through value addition, improved traceability and stronger export infrastructure.

The National Workshop on Seafood Exports, organised by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, brought together government agencies, exporters, processors, financial institutions and industry associations to develop strategies for enhancing India’s competitiveness in global seafood markets.

The discussions come at a significant moment for the sector. India’s seafood exports have crossed ₹73,000 crore, with production and exports more than doubling over the past decade, making fisheries one of the country’s fastest-growing agri-export segments.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Himanta? No—this workshop was led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who described the blue economy as a major future growth driver and emphasised the need to build a globally trusted Indian seafood brand based on quality, sustainability, traceability and innovation.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the importance of technology adoption and export infrastructure, including quarantine and compliance facilities, to help Indian seafood meet international standards and access premium markets.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh noted that inland fisheries remain significantly underrepresented in exports despite their substantial contribution to production, identifying the segment as a major opportunity for future growth.

A key announcement during the workshop was the approval of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Kakinada under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The project, with an outlay of ₹72.42 crore, is expected to modernise fisheries operations, improve efficiency and create employment opportunities in the region.

Industry stakeholders also highlighted several challenges that need attention, including disease management, access to disease-resistant broodstock, rising feed costs, certification requirements, cold-chain infrastructure gaps and international compliance standards. Discussions focused on strengthening traceability systems, expanding processing capacity and encouraging greater adoption of value-added seafood products.

The workshop further explored opportunities in ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood products, a segment witnessing growing demand in international markets and increasingly relevant to changing consumer preferences worldwide.

Why It Matters for Hospitality, Food & Tourism

The seafood industry’s shift towards value-added production has significant implications for India’s hospitality and food service sectors.

Hotels, resorts, cruise operators and restaurants are increasingly seeking premium, traceable and sustainably sourced seafood products. Investments in processing, certification and cold-chain infrastructure can improve product consistency and availability for hospitality businesses serving domestic and international travellers.

The government’s focus on ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood products also aligns with evolving food service trends, particularly among quick-service restaurants, cloud kitchens, premium retail and travel catering segments.

For tourism destinations, especially along India’s coastline, a stronger seafood ecosystem can support culinary tourism, seafood festivals, destination branding and local food experiences that are becoming increasingly important in travel decision-making.

States such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Odisha and Tamil Nadu stand to benefit from greater integration between fisheries, food processing, hospitality and tourism value chains.

As India pursues its ₹1 lakh crore seafood export ambition, the sector is expected to emerge as a key contributor not only to agricultural exports but also to hospitality growth, coastal tourism development and the broader blue economy.

SEO Keywords

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Source: PIB | Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | June 5, 2026