National Workshop in Visakhapatnam to Boost India’s Seafood Export Growth

The workshop will bring together representatives from Central and State governments, Union Territories and major institutions connected to fisheries, exports and food safety.

A two-day National Workshop on Seafood Exports will be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 5 and 6 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, exporters, start-ups and financial institutions to strengthen India's seafood export sector and chart a roadmap towards achieving ₹1 lakh crore in exports.

The workshop is being organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Several senior political leaders are expected to attend the event, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan.

Industry Leaders and Government Agencies to Participate

The workshop will bring together representatives from Central and State governments, Union Territories and major institutions connected to fisheries, exports and food safety. Organisations such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Council (EIC), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), NABARD and Invest India are expected to participate.

Seafood exporters, processors, industry associations, start-ups and other stakeholders across the value chain will also take part in discussions aimed at identifying opportunities and addressing challenges facing the sector. Officials said the workshop will focus on developing State-specific export strategies, improving value addition, strengthening product traceability and identifying regulatory and infrastructure reforms needed to enhance India's competitiveness in international seafood markets.

Focus on Value Addition and Start-Up Participation

The programme will begin with an inaugural session followed by interactions between government officials, industry representatives and start-ups. Participants will receive updates on schemes and initiatives from various ministries and departments, including Fisheries, Commerce, Food Processing Industries, MSME and Financial Services. Benefits under programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme will also be distributed during the event.

The second day will feature technical sessions examining ways to increase exports through certification, traceability and value-added products. Discussions will also explore how start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and emerging sectors can contribute to export diversification and growth.

Andhra Pradesh at the Centre of Seafood Export Growth

India's seafood exports reached a record ₹73,890.46 crore, equivalent to USD 8.45 billion, during 2025-26, with export volumes touching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes. The sector is now aiming to cross the ₹1 lakh crore export mark in the coming years.

Andhra Pradesh, the host State, plays a central role in achieving that target. The State remains India's largest fish producer and seafood exporter, recording aquaculture production of 55.39 lakh tonnes during 2025-26. Its extensive coastline, strong aquaculture sector and well-developed export infrastructure have made it a leading seafood export hub.

Significant investments have also been made under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), including integrated fish landing centres, fishing harbours and an integrated aqua park. Together with projects approved under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), these initiatives are helping modernise fisheries infrastructure and support livelihoods across the State.

Government officials believe the workshop will help strengthen collaboration across the seafood value chain, improve export readiness and position India as a trusted global supplier in an increasingly competitive international market.