Visakhapatnam: A national workshop on Seafood exports concluded in Visakhapatnam with Union and State leaders outlining a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India’s fisheries export ecosystem through infrastructure development, value addition, technology adoption and improved global market access.
The two-day workshop was organised by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Andhra Pradesh Government. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan attended the event.
The workshop brought together policymakers, industry representatives, exporters, processors, start-ups and institutions involved in fisheries development. Participants reviewed challenges and opportunities across the fisheries value chain and discussed measures to improve India’s competitiveness in global markets.
Chandrababu Naidu said the Blue Economy would play a major role in future economic growth. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s contribution to fisheries production and exports. He also stressed the importance of sustainability, traceability, innovation and value addition in building a globally trusted Indian seafood brand.
Piyush Goyal said India must embrace advanced technologies and innovation to unlock the full potential of the fisheries sector. He added that strengthening export infrastructure and compliance systems would remain a priority.
Seafood exports strategy focuses on value addition
Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said fisheries production and exports have more than doubled during the past decade. He noted that exports now exceed ₹73,000 crore and identified inland fisheries as a major area for future growth.
The Minister also announced approval for a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Kakinada under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The project involves an outlay of ₹72.42 crore and is expected to generate employment for more than 12,000 people.
Meanwhile, Rammohan Naidu highlighted the need for efficient logistics, cargo infrastructure and multimodal connectivity to support exporters. Chirag Paswan emphasised shifting from volume-based exports to value-added products, particularly in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook segments.
During the discussions, stakeholders raised concerns regarding disease management, rising input costs, certification requirements, logistics bottlenecks and limited access to quality seed. They also called for stronger cold-chain infrastructure, improved traceability systems and greater adoption of new technologies.
Officials said the workshop marked an important step towards achieving India’s target of ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports. The deliberations are expected to support a more competitive, sustainable and export-oriented fisheries sector while strengthening India’s position in global seafood markets.
