A National Workshop on Seafood Exports is being convened by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh on 5^th & 6^th June 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.  to chart a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening India’s seafood export ecosystem across States and stakeholders. The event will be graced by Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh; Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry; Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation, GoI and Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries, GoI. They will be joined by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, FAHD & Panchayati Raj, and Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, FAHD & Minority Affairs.

The workshop will bring together senior officials from the Central Government, along with representatives from States and Union Territories. Key national institutions, including the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Council (EIC), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), NABARD, NCDC, NCEL, SFAC, NAFED, and Invest India, will participate. The workshop will also witness the presence of seafood exporters, industry associations, processors, start-ups, and other value-chain stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive representation of the seafood export ecosystem.

The technical sessions will focus on identifying State-specific export strategies, outlining a roadmap for value addition and traceability, and recommending enabling regulatory and infrastructure measures. The workshop will also explore avenues for integrating start-ups and MSMEs into the export ecosystem to enhance India’s competitiveness in global seafood markets.

The two-day programme will begin with an inaugural session, followed by stakeholder interactions and presentations by participating Ministries and Departments. On Day 1, an interaction session with stakeholders and start-ups will facilitate direct engagement and exchange of perspectives. This will be followed by presentations by line Ministries and Departments including the Department of Fisheries, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, DPIIT, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of MSME, Department of Financial Services, and the Export Inspection Council highlighting schemes, policy measures, and the way forward. Benefits will also be distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), and other initiatives.

On Day 2, two technical sessions will be conducted: one on advancing seafood exports through value addition, certification, and traceability; and another on the role of start-ups, MSMEs, and emerging sectors in driving export growth and diversification. The workshop will conclude with a closing session summarizing key outcomes and recommendations.

India’s marine product exports reached a record ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.45 billion) in 2025 – 26, with export volumes of 19.72 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting strong growth and rising global demand. Building on this momentum, the sector has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹1 lakh crore in exports. The workshop is expected to support this trajectory by strengthening stakeholder capabilities, promoting best practices, and enhancing export readiness.

Andhra Pradesh, the host State, is the largest producer of fish and seafood exporter in the country, with aquaculture production of 55.39 lakh tonnes in 2025 - 26. With its extensive coastline, robust aquaculture base, and well-established processing and export infrastructure, the State has emerged as a major hub for marine exports. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Andhra Pradesh has received approvals amounting to ₹2,324.17 crore. Key infrastructure initiatives include six Integrated Fish Landing Centres across Visakhapatnam (2), Vizianagaram, Kakinada, Tirupati, and Anakapalli (₹126.91 crore); three Fishing Harbours at Pudimadaka, Budagatlapalem, and Kothapatnam (₹1,137.20 crore); and an Integrated Aqua Park at Bapatla (₹88.08 crore). Together, these projects represent an investment of ₹1,352.19 crore toward modernizing fisheries infrastructure. Additionally, nine projects worth ₹259.28 crore have been approved under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The Government of India has also supported the livelihoods of over 4 lakh beneficiaries in the State under PMMSY.

Despite tariff and non-tariff challenges in key international markets, India’s seafood exports have demonstrated resilience, supported by initiatives such as PMMSY, the Blue Revolution Scheme, PMMKSSY, and FIDF, which have strengthened production, infrastructure, and export competitiveness. These efforts are complemented by the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the zero-rated GST regime for exports, ensuring tax neutrality and reduced cost burdens, thereby strengthening India’s position in global seafood markets.

As India charts its path towards ₹1 lakh crore seafood exports, this workshop marks the beginning of a new era of innovation, integration, and global leadership. The outcomes of this workshop will catalyse a future-ready, competitive, and inclusive seafood export ecosystem, positioning India as a trusted leader in global markets.

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JP