Govt To Set Up USD 1 Bn Marine Export Zones To Boost Seafood Sector

New Delhi, Jul 13 (KNN) The government is planning to establish its first dedicated Marine Export Zones (MEZs) as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to strengthen the country’s seafood export ecosystem. 

The initiative, with an estimated investment of about USD 1 billion, will begin as a pilot project across coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

The proposed zones will function as integrated clusters, bringing together facilities such as feed mills, hatcheries, aquaculture farms, seafood processing units, cold storage, packaging centres and export logistics infrastructure, TOI reported. 

The project is being led by the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) under the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry.

Integrated Infrastructure and Employment Potential

Five MEZs are planned across Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts. Around 2,500 acres of salt-pan land has been identified for development. 

These land parcels, currently under the Salt Commissioner’s Organisation (SCO), which functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), are considered suitable due to access to brackish water, coastal ecosystems and proximity to ports.

Officials said the zones are expected to generate annual exports worth approximately Rs 32,000 crore. The project could also create employment opportunities for between 1.4 lakh and 1.8 lakh people, particularly in coastal regions.

Focus on Export Growth

MEPZ has sought land transfer from the DPIIT to develop MEZs. 

Speaking to TOI, an official said, "This will be the first set of MEZs to be established in the country. The land parcels offer several advantages, including access to brackish water, a rich coastal ecosystem, potential for integrated farming, and proximity to ports and processing facilities."

The initiative comes as India records strong growth in seafood exports. In 2025–26, the country exported 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood valued at USD 8.5 billion, the highest level achieved so far in both volume and value.

(KNN Bureau)