Govt Plans to Strengthen Shrimp Farming & Value Chain to Boost Fisheries Sector

On September 06, 2024, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired the ‘Stakeholder Consultation’ on Fisheries Export Promotion with a focus on strengthening shrimp farming & value chain in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurian was also present in the event. To fully utilize the enormous potential of the industry, the Government of India has set ambitious goals to transform the nation into an International Processing Hub.

Digitalizing the fishing industry to enable traceable and sustainable fish exports through the development of Smart and Integrated Harbors that integrate digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are important initiatives. Furthermore, new budgetary allocations made for the establishment of shrimp-focused Nucleus Breeding Centers to advance the industry were made public.

The Union Minister also outlined plans to modernize the Lakshadweep Islands' and Andaman & Nicobar Islands' fishing infrastructure, with a focus on exporting tuna. The fisheries industry's start-ups were appreciated for their efforts, and seafood exporters were urged to update existing processing facilities in order to increase value addition and boost financial returns. To tackle the difficulties of preserving disease-free seed and broodstock, a committee will be formed to provide comprehensive recommendations.

Kurian emphasized that the government has expanded financial allocation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and increased financial support to the Department of Fisheries. There was also mention of the 218 new projects worth Rs. 1564 crore that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched in Palghar, Maharashtra, on August 30, 2024. These projects are anticipated to generate over five lakh direct and indirect job opportunities.

The aquaculture industry has also benefited from lower import duties on feed ingredients and inputs, which is made possible by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The meeting was organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and was attended by representatives from the following agencies: SEAI, AISHA, PFFI, IMIA, and OFTRI; entrepreneurs; and state and federal government agencies.

Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted the initiatives and schemes take up by the Government of India for overall development of the fisheries sector including formalization of fisheries sector through new scheme of PM-MKSSY, cluster-based development in sectors like seaweed, ornamental fisheries and pearl culture, etc. The Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, industry leaders, seafood exporters, policymakers, and researchers.

Elias Sait, Secretary General, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Ravi Kumar Yellanki, President, All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association (AISHA), I.P.R Mohan Raju, President, Prawn Farmers Federation of India (PFFI), Mohamed Dawood Sait, President, Indian Marine Ingredient Association (IMIA), Dr. Atul Kumar Jain, President Ornamental fisheries training and Research Institute (OFTRI), as well as entrepreneurs, central and state government agencies, and research organizations attended the meeting, organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

An important element of the Indian economy, the fisheries sector affects exports, national income, and food security. Known as the 'Sunrise Sector,' it provides employment for almost 30 million people, many of whom come from marginalized communities. India, the second-biggest fish producer in the world, produced 17.5 million tons in 2022–2023, a record that accounted for 8% of the world's total fish production. Its 1.09% contribution to the nation's Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than 6.72% to agricultural GVA highlight the sector's significance.

An official statement states that a Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion was held by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with an emphasis on enhancing shrimp production and the value chain in Visakhapatnam. The Stakeholder Consultation on Fisheries Export Promotion witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, industry leaders, seafood exporters, policymakers, and researchers, the release said.

By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and value addition, the meeting served as a platform to discuss the way forward to enhance India's position in the global seafood market and drive inclusive growth for fish farmers and coastal communities. Participants engaged in discussions on best practices, sustainable aquaculture technologies, and infrastructure development to enhance productivity, ensure food safety, and improve traceability in the seafood export and value chain. The consultation also focused on formulating actionable strategies to expand India's footprint in global seafood markets, thereby maximizing the export potential of diverse fish, seaweed, and seafood products and supporting the livelihoods of millions of fishers, coastal communities, and fish farmers across the country.

With this initiative, the Indian government once again reaffirmed its dedication to developing the fisheries industry, guaranteeing its continued importance as a driver of the country's economy and a source of livelihood for millions. By working collaboratively, the Indian government aimed to increase exports, foster resilient and inclusive growth in the fishing industry, and support the country's blue economy.