Ministers-led workshop calls for Rs.1 lakh crore seafood exports
The Government is committed to unlocking the fisheries sector’s potential through a “whole-of-government approach” and achieve Rs.1 lakh crore from seafood exports, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said on 7 June after hosting a national workshop.
“The outcomes of the workshop are expected to support India’s journey towards achieving seafood exports exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, while creating greater opportunities for fishers, farmers, processors, start-ups and MSMEs, and strengthening India’s position as a trusted supplier of high-quality, sustainable seafood in global markets,” said the Ministry.
The National Workshop on Seafood Exports was convened by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, on 5-6 June 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
The first day of the workshop was graced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Central Government, along with representatives from States and Union Territories. Key national institutions, including the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Council (EIC), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), NABARD, NCDC, NCEL, SFAC and Invest India, participated. The workshop also witnessed the presence of seafood exporters, industry associations, processors, start‑ups, and other value‑chain stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive representation of the seafood export ecosystem.
The deliberations emphasized positioning India as a globally competitive seafood exporting nation. Key areas included the transition from volume-based exports to value-added, high-quality products, along with the promotion of innovation, advanced technologies, and robust traceability systems to strengthen India’s global seafood brand. Discussions also highlighted the need to expand export infrastructure and logistics, including cold chain, air cargo, and quarantine facilities, to ensure efficient and compliant trade.
The importance of enhancing exports from inland fisheries, which contribute significantly to production, and leveraging untapped potential in emerging segments such as ready‑to‑eat products and high‑value species, was highlighted. Ministers emphasised sustainability, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, along with strengthening processing capacity and value chains. A strong thrust was also laid on adopting a whole‑of‑government approach, improving multimodal logistics, and promoting investment, innovation, and private sector participation, to build a resilient and future‑ready seafood export ecosystem.
Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, emphasised scaling up production, strengthening traceability and certification frameworks, and harnessing untapped potential in deep-sea and EEZ resources through ongoing reforms and flagship schemes.
Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, outlined India’s export performance, evolving global market dynamics, and the role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), market diversification and enhanced competitiveness in expanding seafood exports.
Officials from Export Inspection Council highlighted the importance of robust quality assurance systems and compliance with international regulatory requirements, including residue control, antimicrobial standards and digital traceability, alongside strengthening certification and inspection mechanisms to enhance market access.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with industry bodies such as the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Indian Fishmeal & Fish oil Exporters Association (IFAFEA), and Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA), shared stakeholder perspectives on market opportunities, competitiveness, sustainability and key challenges affecting seafood exports.
During the deliberations, stakeholders highlighted key challenges across the seafood export value chain, including disease management, rising input costs, limited access to quality seed and quarantine facilities, and gaps in logistics, cold chain and processing infrastructure. Concerns were also raised regarding stringent certification requirements, antibiotic compliance, traceability, and low export contribution from inland fisheries, along with the need to diversify into high‑value species and markets.
On 6 June, the workshop featured two thematic technical sessions focusing on strategic interventions required to strengthen India’s seafood export ecosystem and support the national objective of achieving seafood exports exceeding Rs.1 lakh crore. The sessions brought together policymakers, exporters, industry leaders, researchers, start-ups, MSMEs and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to certification, traceability, value addition, sustainability and emerging export opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Deliberations at the two-day workshop underscored the importance of fostering a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups and MSMEs to drive innovation, value addition and export diversification in the fisheries sector.
Discussions focused on strengthening processing and post-harvest infrastructure, promoting high-value and niche seafood products, harnessing the untapped potential of deep-sea resources such as tuna, and expanding export opportunities through emerging sectors including seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, pearl culture and cold-water fisheries.
Participants emphasized the need for supportive policy interventions, technology adoption, skill development, certification, branding and improved market linkages to enhance India’s global competitiveness, generate employment and accelerate sustainable growth in seafood exports.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment among Central Ministries, State Governments, industry stakeholders, exporters, research institutions and entrepreneurs to work collaboratively towards strengthening India’s seafood export ecosystem.
The deliberations highlighted the need for a coordinated approach encompassing sustainable production, value addition, traceability, certification, infrastructure development, innovation and market diversification. The recommendations emerging from the workshop are expected to contribute to policy formulation and targeted interventions aimed at enhancing India’s global competitiveness in seafood exports, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
