New Delhi | April 11, 2026 — Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, chaired the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 today, announcing that India’s seafood exports have surged to ₹68,000 crore this year, up from ₹62,000 crore in the previous cycle.
Strategic Expansion and Value Addition
The Minister congratulated exporters for a net increase of ₹6,000 crore despite global economic volatility. To maintain this momentum, the government has set a roadmap to reach a ₹1 lakh crore export target by focusing on:
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Deep-Sea Potential: Tapping into high-value species like Tuna from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the high seas.
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Product Diversification: Moving beyond raw commodities into ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook value-added segments.
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Market Outreach: Reducing over-dependence on the US market (which currently accounts for 36.42% of value) by strengthening ties with nearly 40 countries through diplomatic missions.
Regulatory and Infrastructure Focus
Minister of State Shri George Kurian and Union Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi emphasized that sustaining growth requires rigorous adherence to global standards:
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Traceability: Strengthening antibiotic bans and certification systems to meet international compliance.
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EEZ Access: Operationalizing the EEZ Rules through “Access Passes,” with a priority focus on cooperative societies.
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Cold Chain Logistics: Investing in robust cold-chain networks and modern fishing harbors to minimize post-harvest losses.
Stakeholder Feedback
Exporters and industry associations, including the Seafood Exporters Association of India, raised key issues during the session:
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Streamlining Certification: The need for faster issuance of Catch Certificates.
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Seaweed Cultivation: Seeking permits for Kappaphycus farming in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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Feed Quality: Targeted support for high-quality fish feed production to boost aquaculture efficiency.
Growth Context
India’s seafood sector has seen a consistent 7% average annual growth over the last 11 years. Exports have more than doubled from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹62,000 crore in 2024-25, largely underpinned by frozen shrimp exports valued at ₹43,334 crore.
The government reaffirmed its support through institutions like NABARD, NCDC, and MPEDA to ensure the sector transitions into a high-value, high-demand global powerhouse.
