National seafood export workshop in Visakhapatnam to focus on traceability, processing, infrastructure and global market competitiveness as India records all-time high marine exports.

Key Highlights

• India achieved record seafood exports worth ₹73,890 crore (USD 8.45 billion) in FY 2025-26.
• Government targets ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports.
• National Seafood Export Workshop to be held in Visakhapatnam on June 5-6.
• Focus on value addition, traceability and export certification.
• Start-ups and MSMEs to be integrated into the seafood export ecosystem.
• Andhra Pradesh remains India’s largest fish-producing and seafood-exporting state.
• Fisheries infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,350 crore underway in Andhra Pradesh.
• Workshop expected to strengthen India’s position in global seafood markets.

India Eyes ₹1 Lakh Crore Seafood Export Milestone with Focus on Value Addition and Global Market Expansion

Visakhapatnam, June 3: India is accelerating efforts to transform its seafood sector into a higher-value export industry, with policymakers, exporters and industry stakeholders set to meet in Visakhapatnam for a national workshop aimed at strengthening the country’s seafood export ecosystem.

Organised by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the two-day workshop on June 5-6 will bring together government agencies, exporters, processors, start-ups, financial institutions and seafood industry representatives to develop a roadmap for future growth.

The initiative comes at a time when India’s seafood exports have reached a historic high. During FY 2025-26, marine product exports touched ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.45 billion), with export volumes reaching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes, reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s leading seafood suppliers.

Building on this momentum, the government has now set an ambitious target of achieving ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports.

Senior leaders expected to participate include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan.

A key focus of the workshop will be moving India’s seafood sector beyond volume-led exports towards value-added products, enhanced certification systems and end-to-end traceability mechanisms increasingly demanded by international buyers.

Technical sessions will examine export diversification strategies, processing capabilities, regulatory reforms and infrastructure requirements needed to improve India’s competitiveness in premium global markets.

The programme will also explore how start-ups and MSMEs can contribute to innovation across seafood processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging, certification and export services.

Several national agencies, including MPEDA, FSSAI, BIS, NABARD, NAFED, Invest India and the National Fisheries Development Board, will participate in discussions aimed at creating a more integrated export ecosystem.

Andhra Pradesh Emerges as India’s Seafood Export Powerhouse

The choice of Visakhapatnam as the venue highlights Andhra Pradesh’s growing importance in India’s fisheries economy.

The state remains India’s largest fish producer and seafood exporter, recording aquaculture production of 55.39 lakh tonnes during 2025-26.

Significant investments have also been made under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with approvals worth ₹2,324 crore supporting infrastructure development across the fisheries value chain.

Major projects include integrated fish landing centres, modern fishing harbours and an integrated aqua park, together representing investments exceeding ₹1,350 crore. Additional fisheries infrastructure projects worth ₹259 crore have been approved under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Government data indicates that more than four lakh beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh have received livelihood support through fisheries-focused schemes.

What It Means for Hospitality, Food & Tourism

The seafood sector is becoming increasingly important for India’s hospitality, culinary and tourism industries.

Higher-quality seafood production, improved traceability systems and stronger export standards can enhance the availability of premium products for hotels, luxury resorts, cruise operators and fine-dining restaurants catering to both domestic and international travellers.

The government’s emphasis on value addition is expected to encourage investment in seafood processing, ready-to-cook products, gourmet seafood offerings and specialised cold-chain infrastructure—segments witnessing growing demand from hospitality operators.

Coastal tourism destinations across Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Odisha and the Northeast could also benefit from stronger fisheries infrastructure and seafood branding initiatives, helping promote regional culinary tourism experiences.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic local food experiences, India’s growing seafood industry presents opportunities to position coastal cuisine as a major tourism asset while supporting livelihoods across fishing communities.

With exports approaching the ₹1 lakh crore milestone, seafood is emerging not only as an agricultural success story but also as a key contributor to India’s food economy, hospitality sector and coastal tourism development.

Source: PIB | Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | June 3, 2026

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