India eyes value added seafood exports, unlock marine potential

India is intensifying its focus on boosting value-added seafood exports and unlocking its vast marine resources, with policymakers stressing diversification, compliance, and infrastructure upgrades to sustain growth momentum. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the need to expand beyond traditional markets and strengthen regulatory frameworks to enhance global competitiveness.According to information,India’s seafood exports have recorded consistent growth, expanding at an average annual rate of around 7 per cent over the past 11 years. Marine product exports have more than doubled during this period, rising from Rs30,213 crore in 2013–14 to Rs62,408 crore in 2024–25, driven largely by robust shrimp exports valued at Rs43,334 crore.
Addressing the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026, Singh lauded exporters for their contribution to the sector and urged continued efforts to strengthen India’s position in global markets.Referring to the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, he said the framework is being operationalised through Access Passes, with priority given to cooperative societies to ensure inclusive growth.The minister also underlined the untapped export potential of high-value marine species such as tuna from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the Exclusive Economic Zone and high seas. He called for improved onboard handling, stronger cold-chain infrastructure, better packaging, and increased value addition to reduce post-harvest losses.
Exporters were encouraged to explore alternative markets and work towards achieving the ambitious Rs1 lakh crore export target. Singh assured continued support from institutions such as the Export Inspection Council (EIC), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian said that following the post-Budget webinar 2026, efforts are underway to position fisheries as a high-value, high-demand sector.He emphasised that maintaining export growth will require strict adherence to regulatory norms, including antibiotic bans, traceability systems, certifications, and improvements in logistics and value-chain development.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the government’s proactive approach while highlighting key challenges and opportunities. These include streamlining procedures for Catch Certificates, facilitating permits for seaweed cultivation such as Kappaphycus in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and extending targeted support to fish-meal manufacturers to scale up production of high-quality fish feed.

(Business Correspondent)