Government reviews advanced broodstock and hatchery facilities in Andhra Pradesh as India pushes for self-reliance in shrimp farming and targets ₹1 lakh crore seafood exports.

Key Highlights

• Fisheries Secretary reviews key aquaculture and broodstock facilities in Visakhapatnam.
• Focus on producing high-quality SPF Black Tiger Shrimp broodstock in India.
• Initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported shrimp broodstock.
• India’s seafood exports hit a record ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26.
• Andhra Pradesh remains India’s largest seafood-producing and exporting state.
• Government identifies training, market access and input costs as key sector challenges.
• Fisheries infrastructure investments in Andhra Pradesh exceed ₹1,350 crore.
• Improved broodstock quality expected to enhance export competitiveness and sustainability.

India Accelerates Aquaculture Self-Reliance as Seafood Export Ambitions Gather Pace

Visakhapatnam, June 4: As India pursues its ambitious goal of expanding seafood exports and strengthening global competitiveness, the government is intensifying efforts to improve the quality and sustainability of the country’s aquaculture sector.

Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi reviewed two of India’s key marine aquaculture facilities in Visakhapatnam—the MPEDA-RCCA Brood Multiplication Centre and the ICAR-CMFRI Marine Fish Broodstock and Hatchery Centre—during a visit focused on enhancing domestic broodstock development and seed production capabilities.

The visit comes at a crucial time for India’s seafood industry, which recorded all-time high exports worth ₹73,890 crore (USD 8.45 billion) during FY 2025-26, reinforcing the country’s position among the world’s leading seafood suppliers.

A major focus of the review was the development of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) broodstock. Industry experts believe domestic production of high-quality broodstock can significantly reduce India’s dependence on imports while improving biosecurity, farm productivity and long-term sustainability.

During interactions with scientists, aquaculture experts and farmers, challenges including high input costs, electricity expenses, limited market linkages and the need for greater skill development were highlighted. The Fisheries Secretary directed officials to work with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and state authorities to strengthen training and capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.

The government views broodstock quality as a critical factor in improving farm performance and maintaining international quality standards increasingly demanded by global seafood buyers.

The MPEDA-backed broodstock programme is expected to support shrimp farmers through better disease management, improved survival rates and enhanced production efficiency, helping India’s aquaculture sector compete more effectively in export markets.

Officials also reviewed the advanced infrastructure at the ICAR-CMFRI Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, which plays an important role in marine fisheries research, mariculture development and hatchery technology innovation. The centre supports breeding programmes, sustainable aquaculture practices and seed production for commercially important marine species.

The visit underscores the government’s broader strategy of strengthening the entire seafood value chain—from hatcheries and broodstock development to processing, exports and global market access.

Andhra Pradesh at the Centre of India’s Seafood Growth Story

Andhra Pradesh continues to dominate India’s fisheries landscape, producing 55.39 lakh tonnes of fish and aquaculture products during 2025-26.

The state has emerged as India’s leading seafood export hub due to its extensive coastline, strong aquaculture ecosystem and modern processing infrastructure.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), fisheries projects worth more than ₹2,324 crore have been approved for the state. These include integrated fish landing centres, fishing harbours and an integrated aqua park aimed at strengthening production, processing and value addition capabilities.

Additional fisheries infrastructure projects worth ₹259 crore have also been sanctioned under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

What It Means for Hospitality, Food & Tourism

For the hospitality industry, improvements in aquaculture quality and seafood traceability are becoming increasingly important as hotels, restaurants and premium food operators seek reliable access to high-quality seafood products.

A stronger domestic broodstock ecosystem can help improve consistency in shrimp production, benefiting seafood suppliers serving luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants and international food chains.

India’s focus on quality certification, biosecurity and sustainable aquaculture also aligns with growing consumer demand for responsibly sourced seafood, particularly in premium hospitality and wellness-oriented dining segments.

The fisheries sector is also closely linked to coastal tourism. Investments in aquaculture infrastructure, seafood processing and fishing communities can support culinary tourism experiences, seafood festivals, coastal food trails and destination branding initiatives in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.

As India works towards its ₹1 lakh crore seafood export target, improvements in broodstock quality, hatchery technology and aquaculture productivity are expected to strengthen both export growth and domestic hospitality supply chains.

Source: PIB | Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | June 4, 2026

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