Export of marine products records all-time high volume in 2023-24

India's export of marine products has reached an all-time high volume of 17,81,602 MT in the financial year 2023-24, with a total value of ₹60,523.89 crore (USD 7,381.89 million), as reported by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Major importers of Indian seafood include USA and China, along with other key markets such as the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East.

Expanding Global Reach and New Markets

To further strengthen marine product exports, six new markets have been identified for 2024-25, including Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Chad. The export target for the upcoming financial year has been set at USD 8,000 million.

Government Initiatives for Fisheries Sector Growth

The Government of India, through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2020-21, continues to make significant strides in boosting production, productivity, and export of fisheries products. With an investment of ₹20,050 crore, PMMSY aims to address infrastructure gaps and enhance competitiveness through:

• Quality fish production and aquaculture diversification.

• Promotion of export-oriented species and modern aquaculture technologies.

• Development of modern post-harvest infrastructure and cold chains.

• Branding, certification, and traceability initiatives.

• Skill training and capacity building for stakeholders.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), launched in 2018-19 with a size of ₹7522.48 crore, provides concessional finance to States, Union Territories, and private entities for critical infrastructure.

Measures to Promote Export and Quality Assurance

The MPEDA and Department of Fisheries are undertaking various initiatives to support exporters and improve compliance with international quality standards:

• Participation in global trade fairs, Virtual Buyer-Seller Meets (VBSMs), and promotion programs.

• Support for post-harvest infrastructure like ice plants, cold storage, and transport facilities.

• Financial schemes such as Technology Upgradation, aquaculture development, and Shaphari Certification for disease-free production.

• Implementation of the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) to reduce disease prevalence and enhance productivity.

The Department of Commerce has also approved Technology Development for Specific Value-Added Marine Products (TDSVMP) guidelines to encourage production of value-added seafood, releasing ₹906.70 lakh to nine beneficiaries in 2023-24.

Ensuring International Market Access

To address trade challenges such as regulatory compliance, quality control, and certification, the Export Inspection Council (EIC) conducts regular awareness programs and upgrades laboratory facilities to meet global quality assurance requirements.

With continued government support and sectoral initiatives, India's marine products industry remains poised to expand its global footprint and achieve new export milestones.

This information was provided by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.