India Targets USD 30 Billion Seafood Exports by 2031
Why in News?
India has announced a target of USD 30 billion in seafood exports by 2031, up from the current export value of about USD 8.5 billion. The target was unveiled during a national workshop on seafood exports held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in June 2026. This move is set to significantly enhance India’s Blue Economy.
Key Highlights
Growth in Seafood Exports
- India’s marine product exports reached ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.45 billion) in FY 2025-26.
- Export volume stood at 19.72 lakh metric tonnes.
- Major export products include:
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Molluscs
- Other marine products
- Shrimp remains India’s leading seafood export commodity.
Export Strategy for 2031
- The strategy aims to leverage nine recently finalised Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed countries.
- Focus areas include:
- Quality enhancement
- Value-added seafood products
- Brand building
- Expansion into premium global markets
Export Promotion Mission (2025-2031)
- Certification and compliance form the core of the strategy.
- Emphasis on international standards such as:
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
- BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices)
- Modern testing laboratories and digital traceability systems will be strengthened.
Fisheries Infrastructure and Traceability
- The National Traceability Framework was launched on World Fisheries Day 2025.
- It enables digital tracking across the seafood supply chain to improve transparency and market access.
- Cold-chain infrastructure is being upgraded at major ports, including:
- Visakhapatnam
- Kochi
- The plan also promotes deep-sea fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), particularly for high-value species such as tuna.
Andhra Pradesh’s Contribution in India Seafood Exports targets
- Andhra Pradesh contributes:
- 66% of India’s shrimp exports
- 55.39 lakh tonnes of aquaculture production (2025-26)
- A Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour has been approved at Kakinada under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Related Ministries, Organisations and Schemes
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Nodal ministry for fisheries and aquaculture development.
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
- Promotes marine product exports from India.
- Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Launched in 2020.
- Aims to modernise fisheries infrastructure, increase production, and improve fishermen’s livelihoods.
National Traceability Framework
- Provides end-to-end digital tracking of seafood products.
- Supports export compliance and premium market access.
India Seafood Exports targets Prelims Facts
- India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline under UNCLOS.
- PM Matsya Sampada Yojana was launched in 2020.
- ASC stands for Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
- BAP stands for Best Aquaculture Practices.
- Visakhapatnam and Kochi are major seafood export and cold-chain hubs.
- Andhra Pradesh accounts for 66% of India’s shrimp exports.
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