Centre backs fish harbours, cold-chain infrastructure, aqua parks and climate-resilient coastal villages to enhance seafood exports and coastal livelihoods.

Key Highlights

• ₹2,328.89 crore worth of fisheries projects approved for Andhra Pradesh under PMMSY.
• Central share stands at ₹681.38 crore, with ₹445.05 crore already released based on project utilisation.
• Projects include 3 fishing harbours, 6 fish landing centres, 16 cold storages and ice plants, 5 fish feed plants and an integrated Aqua Park.
• 15 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages and one Fish Brood Bank sanctioned.
• India’s seafood exports touched a record 19.72 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹73,890.46 crore (US$8.46 billion) in FY 2025-26 despite global trade challenges.

Centre Approves ₹2,328.89 Crore Fisheries Projects for Andhra Pradesh Under PMMSY

New Delhi, July 28: The Government of India has approved fisheries development projects worth ₹2,328.89 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), reinforcing the state’s role as one of India’s leading seafood production and export hubs.

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the projects have been approved since the launch of PMMSY in 2020-21, with a Central share of ₹681.38 crore. So far, ₹445.05 crore has been released to the state based on utilisation of funds.

Focus on Modern Fisheries Infrastructure

The approved projects are aimed at strengthening the state’s fisheries value chain through investments in production, post-harvest management and export infrastructure.

Major projects include:

• 5 fish feed plants
• 16 cold storages and ice plants
• 6 modern fish landing centres
• 3 modern fishing harbours
• Modernisation of the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour
• One Integrated Aqua Park
• 15 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs)
• One Fish Brood Bank

These projects are expected to improve fish handling, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the competitiveness of Andhra Pradesh’s seafood sector.

Government Reviews Global Trade Challenges

The Ministry said it is continuously monitoring developments in global seafood trade, including the impact of geopolitical tensions such as the West Asia conflict.

While no separate assessment has been conducted specifically for Andhra Pradesh, the government has engaged with exporters and industry stakeholders through:

• A Seafood Exporters Meet held in New Delhi in April 2026.
• A National Workshop on Seafood Exports held in Visakhapatnam in June 2026.

The discussions focused on market diversification, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), non-tariff barriers, traceability systems, logistics and improving export competitiveness.

India Achieves Record Seafood Exports

Despite global trade uncertainties, India recorded its highest-ever seafood exports during FY 2025-26, exporting:

• 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood.
• Export value of ₹73,890.46 crore (US$8.46 billion).

The government attributed the growth to continued investments in fisheries infrastructure, export promotion initiatives and efforts to diversify international markets.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

As India’s largest seafood-producing state, Andhra Pradesh plays a crucial role in supplying seafood to hotels, restaurants, cruise operators and hospitality businesses across the country. Investments in cold-chain facilities, fishing harbours and landing centres are expected to improve the availability and quality of seafood for the foodservice sector while reducing supply-chain disruptions.

The development of climate-resilient coastal fishing villages and modern fisheries infrastructure can also support coastal tourism, encouraging seafood-based culinary experiences, fishing harbour tourism and local food trails in destinations such as Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam and Nellore. Stronger seafood exports further enhance India’s reputation as a global seafood supplier, creating opportunities for premium seafood dining and hospitality businesses catering to international and domestic travellers.