Spanning a wide and diversified basket, the sector is a major contributor to food security, employment, export earnings and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Highlights
- All Time High Exports (Both Volume and Value): India exported 19,72,018 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood valued at USD 8.46 billion during FY 2025–26.
- Leading Export Item: Frozen shrimp remained leading export item accounting for 40.19% of total export quantity and 66.52% of total export earnings in US dollar terms.
- It was followed by Frozen fish and Dried Seafood.
- Top Export Destinations: United States and China.
Key Policy Recommendations to enhance Sector Competitiveness
- Central Scheme for Development of Indigenous Broodstock: To reduce reliance on expensive and pathogen-prone imported broodstock.
- Central Scheme for Meeting Global Quality Standards for Seafood Products: To ensure that Indian seafood meets global quality standards.
- Ease of Export: Managing country-specific export bans and mitigating freight costs.
- Umbrella Body for Sector: E.g. Seafood Sector Governing Council (SSGC) for collaboration, infrastructure support and development, etc.
Key Measures taken
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): Dedicated agency to facilitate seafood export under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Flagship Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY); Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), etc.
- Others: Enhanced duty-free import limit of specified inputs used in seafood processing; SHAPHARI certification, etc.
