Seafood Export Boom: Govt Launches National Roadmap to Slash Logistics Gaps and Secure 'Trusted Global Brand' Status

Seafood Export Boom: Govt Launches National Roadmap to Slash Logistics Gaps and Secure 'Trusted Global Brand' Status​

A pivotal meeting aiming to redefine India’s aquatic trade took place in Visakhapatnam over two days. The Department of Fisheries, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, convened a high-level National Workshop on Seafood Exports on June 5th and 6th, 2026. The event gathered senior officials, representing key national bodies like MPEDA and NFDB, along with exporters, processors, and industry associations to chart a comprehensive growth strategy for the nation's seafood ecosystem.

Charting a Blue Economy Future​

The workshops underscored that the fisheries sector is critical to India’s economic trajectory. Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the transformative role of the Blue Economy in future growth. He stressed that while Andhra Pradesh holds leadership in production, scaling up requires significant focus on value addition and innovation. The goal is to build a globally competitive and trusted Indian seafood brand by ensuring quality, sustainability, traceability, and circular economy practices across all stakeholders.

Minister Piyush Goyal of Commerce & Industry provided a strategic mandate for the industry. He stressed that advanced technologies must be embraced to harness the full potential of India's aquatic resources. The government’s vision is to position India globally as a brand synonymous with quality and traceability. A key priority highlighted was strengthening export infrastructure, including the planned establishment of quarantine and allied facilities at major commercial centers such as Visakhapatnam.

Record Growth Drives Focus on Value Chains​

Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh for Fisheries noted the significant momentum witnessed in the sector. He revealed that fisheries production and exports have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching 197 lakh tonnes and generating over ₹73,000 crore. While inland fisheries contribute heavily to production, their low export share was identified as a crucial area needing immediate attention. The minister directed that a standardized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) must be developed specifically to boost exports from inland states.

Addressing the future of processing, Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted the need for a strategic shift from "volume to value." He stressed the untapped potential in global markets, particularly focusing on ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook segments. The Food Processing Ministry called for strengthening the entire ecosystem to enhance quality perception and ensure that Indian seafood meets international standards before it is exported.

Infrastructure Investments Catalyze Growth​

To support industry expansion, the government unveiled significant infrastructure commitments. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour is being developed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. This project carries an outlay of ₹72.42 crore, with central assistance amounting to ₹43.45 crore. Upon completion, this facility is expected to host about 423 vessels, process annual landings of around 74,448 tonnes, and create approximately 12,345 jobs.

Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasized that a whole-of-government approach is mandatory for strengthening seafood exports. He highlighted the critical role of logistics and global connectivity in achieving timely, cost-effective deliveries to world markets. The government is actively working to strengthen air cargo networks and improve multimodal logistics, promoting initiatives like "One Airport, One Product" to streamline processes and reduce time constraints.

Addressing Industry Challenges and Roadblocks​

The deliberation session allowed stakeholders to voice persistent challenges across the fisheries value chain. Concerns were raised regarding disease management, rising input costs such as fish meal, and limited access to quality seed stock and quarantine facilities. Logistics gaps, especially concerning cold chain transportation and air cargo support for inland regions, were forcefully highlighted by industry representatives.

A key focus area was regulatory compliance. Stakeholders stressed the necessity of adhering to stringent certification requirements, particularly EU standards, alongside ensuring proper traceability and antibiotic compliance in products. The Secretary of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, acknowledged that despite record export performance, targeted investments are vital for infrastructure and market access mechanisms, especially within inland fisheries.

Vision Towards Global Leadership​

The workshop concluded with a clear mandate to integrate innovation and value addition into every stage of the seafood journey. The collective outcomes from the national event are expected to drive India toward ambitious goals. As stakeholders move forward, the ambition is not merely production, but the establishment of a resilient, competitive, and inclusive seafood export ecosystem. This concerted push aims to solidify India’s position as a trusted global food basket, charting a course towards achieving the target of ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports.