Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh will chair the Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion with focus on strengthening shrimp farming & value chain on 6th September 2024 at Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is organizing the Stakeholder Consultation. Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchyati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian are also expected to attend the stakeholder consultation along with senior officers of the concerned Ministries/Departments.

The fisheries sector, a cornerstone of the Indian economy, plays a crucial role in national income, exports, and food security. Known as the 'Sunrise Sector,' it supports around 30 million people, especially from marginalized communities. As the world's second largest fish producer, India achieved a record production of 17.5 million tons (in 2022-23), contributing 8% to the global fish production. The sector's significance is highlighted by its 1.09% contribution to the country's Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724% to agricultural GVA. With immense growth potential, the fisheries sector requires focused policy and financial support for sustainable, responsible, and inclusive development.

The Government of India has spearheaded the transformation of the fisheries sector through various schemes and initiatives such as PMMSY, FIDF, Blue Revolution, PMMKSSY etc, with highest ever investment of Rs 38,572 crore since 2015. As a result of these policies and initiatives, India proudly stands 2nd in global fish production. India’s seafood exports touched an all-time high in volume during the financial year 2023-24 despite various challenges in significant export markets. India shipped 1.78 million tons of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore during 2023-24. In the last one decade, there has been a boom in shrimp cultivation and export. The shrimp exports have more than doubled with an increase of about 107% from Rs. 19,368 crore (in 2013-14) to Rs. 40,013.54 crore (in 2023-24). This has resulted in tremendous progress in seafood exports, which has increased with an average annual growth rate of 14% in the last 10 years.

The Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion is being convened to foster dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, industry leaders, seafood exporters, policymakers, and researchers, etc. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and value addition, the meeting aims to enhance India's position in the global seafood market and drive inclusive growth for fish farmers and coastal communities. Participants will engage in discussions on best practices, sustainable aquaculture technologies, and infrastructure development to enhance productivity, ensure food safety, and improve traceability in the seafood export and its value chain. The consultation will also focus on formulating actionable strategies to expand India's footprint in global seafood markets, thereby maximizing export potential of diverse fish/seaweed/seafood products and supporting the livelihoods of millions of fishers, coastal communities and fish farmers of the country.

This initiative reaffirms the Government of India's commitment to advancing the fisheries sector, ensuring that it remains a vital contributor to the nation's economy and a source of livelihood for millions. Through this collaborative approach, the Government of India seeks to promote inclusive growth and resilience in the fisheries sector, ultimately contributing to the nation’s blue economy.

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