India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is entering a defining decade. With production doubling in ten years and exports rising steadily, the nation has set an ambitious new target: ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports by 2030.
World Fisheries Day 2025 became the stage for this renewed vision, as the government unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at modernising, regulating, and globalising India’s blue economy.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, speaking through a video message, underscored the importance of innovation, traceability, value addition, packaging, and brand building. New frameworks, particularly the National Traceability System for Fisheries & Aquaculture 2025, are expected to be game changers—assuring global buyers of quality and safety while improving incomes for fishers and farmers.
A Sector on the Rise: India’s Decade of Growth
India today stands as:
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The world’s 2nd-largest fish producer,
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One of the largest shrimp exporters globally, and
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A sector supporting over 3 crore livelihoods.
Production has skyrocketed from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25)—a 100% expansion facilitated by flagship government programmes such as PMMSY, FIDF, and PM-MKSSY.
Marine product exports rose 11.08% between October 2024 and October 2025. GST reforms lowering tax rates on processed fish products from 12% to 5% are expected to accelerate competitiveness in international markets.
Digital Governance & Sustainability: India’s New Fisheries Architecture
India’s shift toward digital and sustainable fisheries management includes:
• National Traceability Framework
Ensures end-to-end monitoring of every seafood product from pond or vessel to export destination.
This will:
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Prevent IUU fishing,
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Open premium markets,
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Boost India’s credibility globally.
• ReALCRaft Platform
A digital licensing and vessel registration system that brings transparency and efficiency to marine governance.
• EEZ Sustainable Harnessing Rules (2025)
Promote:
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Deep-sea fishing opportunities,
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Modernised fishing fleets,
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Cooperative-led access,
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Environment-friendly practices.
• Marine Fisheries Census 2025
India’s first geo-referenced, fully digital enumeration of 12 lakh fisher households, guiding policy for years ahead.
• NABHMITRA Vessel Safety System
A two-way alert and communication device supporting fisher safety and real-time maritime coordination.
Together, these reforms build the foundation for a globally competitive and environmentally responsible fisheries sector.
State-Level Powerhouses in India’s Seafood Export Growth
India’s seafood export strength comes from a handful of coastal states that have developed robust aquaculture systems, modern infrastructure, and international market linkages.
Below is an overview of the leading contributors:
1. Andhra Pradesh – India’s Seafood Export Leader
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India’s largest aquaculture producer.
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Contributes the highest volume of export-quality shrimp (Vannamei).
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State investments in cold-chain, hatcheries, feed mills, and aqua labs drive its dominance.
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Key export hubs: Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Bhimavaram.
2. Gujarat – Marine Export Giant
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Leading in marine capture fisheries and processing infrastructure.
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Strong harbour facilities at Veraval, Porbandar, Okha.
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Top exporter of frozen fish, cephalopods, and value-added marine products.
3. Tamil Nadu – Value-Added Export Hub
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Known for high-value processed seafood, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products.
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Major exporter of squid, cuttlefish, tuna, and crabs.
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Strong cold-chain and port accessibility from Chennai & Tuticorin.
4. Kerala – Traditional Export Powerhouse
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Long history in marine capture exports, particularly shrimp, squid, and cuttlefish.
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Houses some of the country’s top seafood processing units.
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Key markets: EU, US, Japan.
5. West Bengal – Inland Fisheries Strength
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India’s leading inland fish producer.
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Major contributor to freshwater species export and domestic supply.
Odisha: India’s Fastest-Rising Coastal Export Performer
Odisha is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most promising seafood export hubs.
The state exported over 92,000 MT of seafood in 2024–25, marking its highest-ever performance.
Why Odisha Is Becoming a Seafood Export Powerhouse
• Thriving Aquaculture Sector
Odisha ranks among the top fish-producing states, with booming shrimp farming in districts like:
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Kendrapara
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Balasore
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Ganjam
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Jagatsinghpur
Frozen shrimp remains the state’s top export item, significantly increasing farmer incomes.
• Growing Role in the State Economy
While exact GSDP figures for seafood exports are not provided, the sector contributes meaningfully to:
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Odisha’s primary sector GSDP,
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Rural livelihoods,
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Coastal employment,
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Export earnings in the food processing ecosystem.
• Strong Policy Backing
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Odisha Fisheries Policy (2015)
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Odisha Food Processing Policy (2013)
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Expansion of aqua zones, hatcheries, testing labs, and cold-chain links
have helped create an industry-friendly environment.
• Rising Global Footprint
Odisha’s high-quality shrimp products are exported to:
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USA
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Japan
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Europe
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Middle East
Odisha’s focus on compliance, sustainability, and traceability is helping the state access premium markets and compete with dominant players like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Women at the Centre of Blue Economy Transformation
Under PMMSY and PM-MKSSY:
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Women receive 60% assistance for fisheries-related activities.
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Programmes focus on SHGs, cooperatives, retail units, processing units, and training.
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Women are becoming critical drivers in value addition, retail, and quality control.
This inclusive approach boosts income security and empowers coastal families.
The Road to 2030: India’s Vision for Seafood Exports
India’s strategic roadmap includes:
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₹1 lakh crore seafood exports by 2030.
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30% share of value-added and high-value products in total exports.
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Enhanced cold-chain, harbours, landing centres, and deep-sea fleet modernisation.
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Globally compliant traceability and certification systems.
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Digital governance of the entire value chain.
These efforts aim to transform India into a global seafood processing hub, offering sustainable, certified, and premium-quality products to the world.
Conclusion
India’s fisheries transformation is no longer just a policy goal—it is a structured, technology-driven movement backed by strong state participation, massive investment, and growing global demand.
As major states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal push India’s export engine forward, Odisha is rapidly emerging as one of the nation’s most dynamic and fast-growing export contributors.