India's seafood sector is preparing for its next phase of growth as policymakers, exporters and industry leaders outlined a strategy focused on value-added products, sustainability and improved market access during a national workshop held in Visakhapatnam.

The two-day National Workshop on Seafood Exports, organized by the Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, brought together government officials, exporters, researchers, startups and aquaculture stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges across the seafood value chain.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India's marine products exports have grown nearly 70% in value over the past decade. He noted that India currently contributes about 4% of global seafood trade and outlined a target of reaching USD 30 billion in seafood exports within five years through value addition, branding, quality improvements and market diversification.

Seafood Exports Show Strong Growth Amid Global Competition

According to figures presented during the workshop, India's seafood exports reached approximately ₹73,890 crore, or USD 8.46 billion, despite global economic uncertainties. Frozen shrimp remained the country's largest seafood export category.

Officials highlighted the expansion of fish production from 95.8 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 to nearly 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. The growth has been supported by government programs aimed at strengthening fisheries infrastructure, sustainable aquaculture practices and export readiness.

Stakeholders also discussed the role of recently concluded free trade agreements that provide improved market access across multiple international markets.

Industry Calls For Better Infrastructure And Traceability

Participants identified several challenges affecting competitiveness, including disease management, rising feed costs, access to quality seed, certification requirements and logistics bottlenecks.

Industry representatives emphasized the need for stronger cold-chain networks, improved quarantine facilities and enhanced traceability systems to meet increasingly stringent international standards.

Discussions also explored the possibility of a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) framework for the seafood sector to encourage investment in processing and value-added production.

New Opportunities Emerging Beyond Traditional Seafood Markets

Experts highlighted untapped opportunities in deep-sea fisheries within India's Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Emerging sectors such as seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries and cold-water aquaculture were also identified as potential growth areas.

The workshop concluded with a consensus on expanding sustainability measures, strengthening export infrastructure and increasing value-added seafood production. Industry participants said these steps could improve India's competitiveness in global seafood markets while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors, exporters and coastal communities.