Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, GoI visited the MPEDA-RCCA-Brood Multiplication Centre of Peneus monodon and ICAR-CMFRI Marine Fish Broodstock and Hatchery in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh today to review initiatives related to the development of quality broodstock and the production of high-quality seed for the aquaculture sector. During the visit, Dr. Likhi interacted with scientists, technical experts, farmers and staff members and gained insights into ongoing research, broodstock development initiatives and operational activities supporting the growth of India’s shrimp aquaculture sector. During the interaction, Challenges identified include weak market linkages, high input and electricity cost and need for training and capacity building. The Union Secretary directed officials from the Department of Fisheries to coordinate with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the state government to organize training and capacity-building programs.

The established Brood Multiplication Centre (BMC) is expected to significantly strengthen India’s shrimp aquaculture sector by enabling the production and supply of high-quality, Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp) broodstock. This initiative will help reduce dependence on imported broodstock, ensure improved biosecurity, and enhance productivity and sustainability in shrimp farming

India’s marine product exports have reached a record level of ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.45 billion) during 2025–26, with export volumes of 19.72 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting the steady growth and expanding global demand for Indian seafood. MPEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in promoting the export of marine products from the country. It supports the sector through development of quality seed and broodstock, certification and traceability systems, infrastructure development, and capacity building of stakeholders. MPEDA’s interventions in hatchery development, adoption of modern aquaculture practices, and ensuring international quality standards have significantly contributed to enhancing India’s marine exports, strengthening the value chain, and improving global competitiveness of Indian seafood.

The visit provides strategic direction and oversight to key initiatives aimed at strengthening quality broodstock and seed production in the aquaculture sector supporting. It enables on-ground assessment of cutting-edge facilities, review of progress in species diversification, and direct engagement with stakeholders to address field-level challenges. The visit also reinforces the Government’s commitment to enhancing self-reliance, improving productivity, and boosting export competitiveness in the fisheries sector.

Background

Andhra Pradesh is the largest domestic fish producer and seafood exporter, accounting for a significant share of the country’s aquaculture production, with 55.39 lakh tonnes in 2025–26. With its extensive coastline, well-developed aquaculture infrastructure and strong presence of processing and export units, the State has emerged as a major hub for marine and aquaculture exports. The State has received substantial support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with total approved investments of ₹2,324.17 crore. Andhra Pradesh has undertaken significant infrastructure development to strengthen its fisheries sector under PMMSY. Six modern Integrated Fish Landing Centres are being established across Visakhapatnam (2), Vizianagaram, Kakinada, Tirupati and Anakapalli, with a total project cost of ₹126.91 crore to improve handling and landing facilities. In addition, three Fishing Harbours are being developed at Pudimadaka, Budagatlapalem and Kothapatnam with a total investment of ₹1137.20 crore, aimed at enhancing marine infrastructure and operational efficiency. An Integrated Aqua Park is also being set up at Bapatla at a cost of ₹88.08 Crore to promote value addition and processing. Overall, these initiatives involve a cumulative investment of ₹1352.19 crore in the state, reflecting a focused effort towards modernizing fisheries infrastructure and boosting sectoral growth. Furthermore, under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), 9 projects have been approved in the State with a total investment of ₹259.28 crore. The Government of India has also supported the livelihoods of over 4 lakh beneficiaries in Andhra under PMMSY, contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.

The ICAR-CMFRI Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam is a key marine fisheries research and extension facility engaged in resource assessment, mariculture, biodiversity conservation, and fisheries development. Equipped with advanced infrastructure including a marine finfish hatchery, cage farming systems, recirculatory aquaculture units, live feed labs, and research vessel support, the centre focuses on developing technologies for quality broodstock development and seed production of commercially important marine species. Its activities span standardisation of breeding and hatchery protocols, promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices, stock assessment, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and capacity building for farmers, thereby supporting the growth of a resilient and high-quality mariculture sector in the country.

India’s marine product exports have reached a record level of ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.45 billion) during 2025–26, with export volumes of 19.72 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting steady growth and expanding global demand for Indian seafood. MPEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has played a pivotal role in this growth by promoting export-oriented development through quality seed and broodstock support, certification and traceability systems, infrastructure creation, and capacity building across the value chain. Complementing these efforts, the ICAR-CMFRI Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam serves as a key research and extension hub, focusing on marine fisheries, mariculture, and biodiversity conservation. Equipped with advanced facilities such as marine finfish hatcheries, cage farming systems, and live feed laboratories, the Centre develops and standardises technologies for quality broodstock and seed production, while also promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and supporting farmers—thereby strengthening the foundation for a resilient, high-quality, and globally competitive marine sector.

*****

JP

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2269132) आगंतुक पटल : 264