Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 11: India is looking to scale up value-added seafood exports and tap the marine potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a focus on high-value species such as tuna, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s export ecosystem.
At the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 in New Delhi, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the sector has recorded steady growth, driven largely by strong demand in non-US markets. He emphasised the need for sustained diversification of both products and markets, along with strict adherence to regulatory norms, including antibiotic bans and improved traceability systems.
India’s seafood exports have grown at an average annual rate of 7 per cent over the past 11 years. Marine product exports more than doubled from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25, with shrimp exports contributing Rs 43,334 crore to the total.
The minister highlighted the export potential of tuna resources from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas, stressing the need for improved onboard handling, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses.
He also referred to the operationalisation of EEZ Rules through Access Passes, noting that cooperative societies are being prioritised to promote inclusive growth within the sector.
Exporters were urged to work towards achieving a target of Rs 1 lakh crore in seafood exports by adopting an open-market approach. The government assured institutional support through agencies such as the Export Inspection Council, National Cooperative Development Corporation, NABARD and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian said efforts are underway to position fisheries as a high-value and high-demand sector, in line with discussions held during the post-Budget webinar 2026. He underlined the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance, strengthening logistics and improving value-chain development to sustain export growth.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged government support while pointing out operational challenges and opportunities. They highlighted the need to streamline procedures for issuing Catch Certificates and called for facilitation of permits for seaweed cultivation, particularly Kappaphycus, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Participants also stressed the importance of targeted support for fish-meal manufacturers to scientifically enhance production of high-quality fish feed, aimed at strengthening the overall export value chain.
The discussions reinforced the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a key contributor to India’s marine export strategy, particularly in unlocking untapped tuna resources and expanding value-added seafood exports.
