India’s Seafood Export Gets Boost

Syllabus: GS3/Economy 

In News

• India’s marine products exports increased by 16% in terms of value and 12% in volume during the first seven months (April-October) of FY 2025-26 as compared to the corresponding period last fiscal.

India’s Position in Global Seafood Trade

• According to the data, India’s seafood exports increased to $4.87 billion in April-October 2025 from $4.19 billion during the same period of 2024. 

• The increase was driven by successful market diversification, with sharp export growth to countries such as Vietnam, Belgium, Malaysia, Germany, and China.
  • Although exports to the US declined by 4% in value and 11% in volume, it remains India’s top destination. 
• India is the second-largest producer of fish and aquaculture globally, and one of the world’s leading shrimp producers. 

Key Reasons Behind the Export Boost

• Rising Global Demand: Increasing preference for protein-rich and low-fat diets globally.
  • Strong demand from markets like the USA, European Union, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Shrimp continues to be the largest contributor to India’s seafood exports.
• Diversification of Export Markets: Reduced over-dependence on a single market.
  • Expansion into West Asia, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia.
• Government Policy Support: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for Infrastructure development (harbours, cold chains, processing units), promotion of sustainable aquaculture etc.
• Improved Quality & Traceability: Adoption of international food safety and quality standards.
  • Better traceability systems to meet importing countries’ regulations.
  • Compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) norms.
• Growth in Aquaculture: Expansion of shrimp farming, especially in coastal states.
  • Shift from capture fisheries to culture fisheries, reducing pressure on marine resources.

Importance

• Seafood exports are a major source of foreign exchange earnings, supporting India’s trade balance.
• The sector provides livelihoods to millions of fishers and coastal communities, second only to agriculture in employment.
• Fisheries contribute to nutritional security, offering affordable protein to millions.
• The industry is central to India’s Blue Economy vision, linking sustainability with growth.

Challenges

• Very less  seafood undergoes processing and value addition, limiting profitability.
• High tariffs in the US and stringent quality standards in Europe pose hurdles.
• Overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change threaten marine ecosystems.
• Cold chain, logistics, and modern processing facilities remain inadequate.
• Fragmented policies and lack of uniform standards hinder efficiency.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• India’s seafood industry has grown rapidly and gained global recognition, but its future depends on sustainability, innovation, value addition, improved infrastructure, market diversification, and eco-friendly practices to build a resilient and responsible seafood economy.

Source :IE