Measures to Strengthen Seafood Exports Discussed At National Workshop

New Delhi, June 9 (KNN) The Department of Commerce, along with the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, organised a two-day National Workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam to discuss strategies for enhancing India's seafood export competitiveness through value addition, sustainability, improved market access and infrastructure development.

The workshop brought together representatives from central and state governments, export promotion bodies, financial institutions, industry associations, seafood exporters, processors, startups, researchers and aquaculture farmers. 

Discussions focused on enhancing the competitiveness of India's seafood industry and addressing challenges across the fisheries value chain.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's marine products exports have grown by nearly 70 per cent in value terms over the past decade. India currently accounts for about 4 per cent of global seafood trade, while seafood exports reached approximately Rs 73,890 crore (USD 8.46 billion) in 2025–26.

Participants discussed opportunities to increase the share of value-added seafood products, including ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook offerings, while exploring ways to diversify export markets and improve compliance with international quality and sustainability standards.

The workshop also examined issues related to disease management, rising input costs, availability of quality seed and broodstock, logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, certification requirements, traceability systems and sustainable aquaculture practices. 

Stakeholders highlighted the need for greater support to startups and MSMEs operating within the seafood value chain.

Technical sessions on the second day focused on traceability systems, sustainable certification, export promotion, deep-sea fisheries, value addition and the potential for a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) framework for the seafood sector. 

Discussions also covered opportunities in seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, cold-water fisheries and trout farming, along with the development of high-value deep-sea resources in India's Exclusive Economic Zone.

The workshop concluded with recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainability, export infrastructure, value addition, innovation and market access to support the long-term growth of India's seafood exports.

(KNN Bureau)