Marine Products Surge: India Aims for USD 30 Billion Seafood Export Mark by Boosting Value Addition and Sustainability

Marine Products Surge: India Aims for USD 30 Billion Seafood Export Mark by Boosting Value Addition and Sustainability​

The government has intensified its focus on transforming the seafood sector, aiming to elevate marine products from a high-volume commodity to a premium value-added global export. This commitment was underscored during a two-day National Workshop on Seafood Exports held in Visakhapatnam on 5-6 June 2026. The event provided a critical platform for industry stakeholders and officials to deliberate on sustainable growth, infrastructure needs, and market diversification strategies.

Roadmap to USD 30 Billion: Govt Targets Value Addition in Seafood Sector​

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, addressed the inaugural session, emphasizing the government's comprehensive approach toward marine products promotion. He highlighted a significant achievement, noting that India's marine exports have increased by nearly 70 per cent in value over the past decade. While the nation currently holds about 4 per cent of the global seafood trade, Goyal challenged stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving USD 30 billion in seafood exports within five years.

The Minister stressed the necessity of increasing the share of value-added products. This includes ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook items, aiming to shift the sector from a volume focus to a quality-driven market position. He encouraged exporters to capitalize on opportunities created by India's recent Free Trade Agreements covering 38 countries.

Sector Growth Highlights: From Farm Production to Export Resilience​

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh provided an overview of the substantial growth within the fisheries sector. He noted that fish production dramatically increased from 95.8 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 to nearly 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. Despite prevailing global challenges, India achieved seafood exports totaling approximately ₹73,890 crore (USD 8.46 billion). Frozen shrimp continues to be a dominant export item, underscoring the sector's resilience and growth trajectory.

Shri Chirag Paswan echoed the call for greater value enhancement in the seafood industry. He urged intensified focus on processing, branding, technology adoption, and diversifying markets. The message is clear: move from mere production quantity to maximizing product value, solidifying India’s standing as a trusted global supplier of food products.

Infrastructure and Logistics Drive Competitiveness​

The importance of robust infrastructure was underscored by several attending ministers. Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu highlighted the critical role of efficient logistics and air cargo capabilities in supporting high-value seafood exports. Ongoing efforts are being made to improve multimodal connectivity and streamline cargo movement to enhance overall export competitiveness.

Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed Andhra Pradesh's dedication as a global hub for sustainable aquaculture, leveraging the state's leadership in fisheries. Similarly, Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi stressed the need for coordinated efforts across all stakeholders. Essential elements include infrastructure development, certification rigor, innovation, and dedicated market access initiatives to boost global competitiveness.

Key Challenges and Solutions Deliberated by Industry Stakeholders​

The interactive session allowed various industry participants, including startups and processors, to voice core challenges plaguing the fisheries value chain. These issues ranged from managing disease outbreaks and rising input costs to ensuring fishmeal availability and accessing quality seed stock. Cold chain development and traceability requirements were also highlighted as persistent concerns.

Technical sessions on the second day addressed these concerns head-on. Participants deliberated on implementing advanced traceability systems, adhering to international sustainability certifications, and developing a comprehensive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) framework for the seafood sector. Discussions focused on strengthening compliance and enhancing processing infrastructure.

Future Focus: Deep-Sea Resources and Sustainable Innovation​

The workshop looked beyond current commodity markets, focusing heavily on untapped potential within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Significant attention was given to harnessing high-value deep-sea resources, particularly in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Emerging areas such as seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, cold-water fisheries, and trout farming were explored for future growth.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders. This collective pledge aims to strengthen sustainability standards, improve export infrastructure, and foster innovation across the sector. The recommendations arising from these deliberations are expected to provide a foundational roadmap for advancing India's global competitiveness in seafood exports towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.