India Unveils National Seafood Traceability Framework to Boost Exports and Global Food Safety Compliance

Centre strengthens seafood export ecosystem with digital traceability, processing infrastructure and quality certification to improve global market access

Key Highlights

• National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2025 launched to create a digital seafood traceability system
• ₹21,394.88 crore worth of fisheries projects approved under PMMSY, including export infrastructure
• ₹345.89 crore sanctioned under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) for export-oriented processing infrastructure
• ₹118.10 crore provided by MPEDA to 89 seafood processing units between 2021-22 and 2025-26
• India’s seafood exports reached 19.72 lakh tonnes, valued at ₹73,890.46 crore in 2025-26

News

The Government of India has unveiled the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2025, a digital initiative designed to strengthen seafood traceability, improve food safety standards and enhance India’s competitiveness in international seafood markets.

The framework, introduced by the Department of Fisheries, aims to establish a nationwide digital traceability system covering the entire fisheries and aquaculture value chain. The system will improve transparency, quality assurance and compliance with international import regulations while helping Indian seafood exporters access premium global markets.

The digital framework will be implemented in phases through a National Level Governance Committee (NLGC) and an Adoption Committee, which will oversee implementation and encourage industry-wide adoption of IT-enabled traceability systems.

Major Investments in Export Infrastructure

Alongside the traceability initiative, the government highlighted substantial investments in fisheries infrastructure.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), fisheries and aquaculture projects worth ₹21,394.88 crore have been approved nationwide, including investments in export-oriented infrastructure.

Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has supported 18 major infrastructure projects worth ₹345.89 crore, focusing primarily on expanding and modernising fish processing plants.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has also sanctioned ₹118.10 crore to 89 seafood processing units between 2021-22 and 2025-26 under its Technology Development for Specific Value-Added Marine Products (TDSVMP) Scheme. The programme supports:

• Fish processing facilities
• Cold storage infrastructure
• Automated processing machinery
• Live and chilled seafood handling
• Dried and ornamental fish infrastructure
• Development of value-added seafood products

Strengthening Food Safety and Export Compliance

The government said multiple agencies are working together to improve India’s seafood export standards.

The Export Inspection Council (EIC) continues to monitor seafood export establishments through food safety audits and mandatory testing of aquaculture shrimp for banned antibiotics before export.

Meanwhile, MPEDA, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) and EIC are jointly implementing the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) to strengthen residue monitoring, certification and traceability.

The Department of Fisheries is also supporting sustainable seafood production by promoting export-oriented species such as Scampi, Mud Crab, Asian Seabass and Cobia, while encouraging advanced aquaculture technologies including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc farming.

Seafood Exports Continue to Grow

According to the government, India’s seafood exports reached 19.72 lakh tonnes during 2025-26, with exports valued at ₹73,890.46 crore.

Andhra Pradesh remained India’s largest seafood exporting state by value at ₹23,765.11 crore, followed by:

• Maharashtra – ₹9,057.83 crore
• Kerala – ₹8,466.77 crore
• Tamil Nadu – ₹7,660.48 crore
• Gujarat – ₹7,145.67 crore

Hospitality Industry Impact

A stronger traceability ecosystem is expected to benefit hotels, premium restaurants and seafood retailers by improving transparency across the seafood supply chain. Digital tracking from farm or landing centre to the consumer can strengthen food safety, quality assurance and sourcing credibility—factors that are increasingly important for luxury hospitality, international hotel brands and fine-dining establishments.

Investments in modern fish processing plants, cold-chain infrastructure and value-added seafood processing are also likely to improve the availability of premium seafood products for the foodservice industry while reducing post-harvest losses.

Travel & Tourism Impact

India’s growing focus on seafood quality and export standards can also enhance its reputation as a culinary tourism destination. Coastal states known for seafood cuisine may benefit from stronger supply chains, improved processing standards and increased availability of premium local seafood, supporting destination restaurants, seafood festivals and experiential dining for domestic and international travellers.

Why It Matters

The launch of a national digital traceability framework marks a significant step towards modernising India’s seafood industry. By combining digital monitoring with investments in processing infrastructure and international food safety compliance, the government aims to strengthen export competitiveness while creating a more reliable and transparent seafood ecosystem that also benefits the hospitality and tourism sectors.