Seafood Exports from India
Context
“Seafood Exports from India” information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha in response to a question asked.
Growth in seafood exports
India’s seafood exports have shown strong growth in recent years.
Export value increased from ₹43,720.98 crore in 2020–21 to ₹62,408.45 crore in 2024–25.
This represents a growth of about 42.7%.
Export quantity increased from 11.49 lakh metric tonnes (2020–21) to 16.98 lakh metric tonnes (2024–25).
This represents growth of about 47.8%.
Frozen shrimp is the most important export item and contributes the largest share in marine product exports.
The export promotion and development of marine products is handled by the Marine Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Major export markets (2024–25)
Largest market by value: United States
Largest market by quantity: China
EU and Southeast Asia are also major destinations for Indian seafood.
Market | Quantity (MT) | Value (₹ crore) |
United States | 346,868 | 22,723 |
China | 396,424 | 10,668 |
European Union | 215,080 | 9,429.6 |
Southeast Asia | 347,541 | 8,172.2 |
Japan | 102,933 | 3,452.9 |
Middle East | 65,956 | 2,328.5 |
Major exporting states (2024–25)
State | Quantity (tons) | Value (₹ crore) |
Andhra Pradesh | 366,182 | 21,246 |
Gujarat | 282,158 | 5,889 |
Maharashtra | 227,866 | 7,343 |
Kerala | 179,660 | 6,941 |
Tamil Nadu | 130,315 | 7,034 |
West Bengal | 114,529 | 4,321 |
Odisha | 92,169 | 4,668 |
Key points
Andhra Pradesh is the largest seafood exporting state in India.
Coastal states dominate marine exports.
Frozen shrimp remains the dominant seafood export product.
Challenges faced by shrimp export sector
Fluctuating global demand
Price volatility in international markets
Rising input costs
Tariff and non-tariff barriers by importing countries
Geopolitical tensions affecting trade
Despite these challenges, shrimp exports are still increasing in both quantity and value.
Government initiatives to promote seafood exports
1. Policy and diplomatic engagement
Stakeholder consultations and exporters’ meetings
Investors’ Meets in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep
Round Table Conference with Ambassadors from 39 countries
Bilateral meetings with major seafood importing nations
2. Trade facilitation
Simplification of regulations
Reduced import duties on:
Aquafeed ingredients
Aquaculture inputs
Fish processing materials
3. Budget support
Duty-free import limit of seafood processing inputs increased from 1% to 3% of previous year’s FOB export value.
Sustainability initiatives
Promotion of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets to protect sea turtles.
Marine mammals conservation project.
Strengthening antibiotic residue monitoring.
Launch of a traceability framework for seafood exports.
New fisheries regulation
Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025
Promote high-value export-oriented fisheries
Focus on Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep
Major schemes supporting fisheries
1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Expansion of aquaculture
Infrastructure development
Disease management
Post-harvest facilities
Value addition in fisheries products
2. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
Supports:
Fish processing infrastructure
Cold chains
Hatcheries and aquaculture facilities
Andhra Pradesh is the largest inland fish-producing state in India, contributing over 35% to the national output. The state is a leader in aquaculture, particularly for shrimp and freshwater fish production. West Bengal ranks second in inland fisheries.
Gujarat is the highest marine fish-producing state in India, contributing over 20% of the country's total sea catch. It boasts the longest coastline in India, making it the leader in marine fish production, with an annual output of approximately 7.5 lakh tonnes.
Key Details on Marine Fish Production:
Top State: Gujarat
Key Contributing States: Following Gujarat, other leading states include Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
Global rankings
3rd largest fish producer in the world.(china -1st,indonesia - 2nd)
2nd largest aquaculture producer globally.(china - 1st)
India is also the world leader in shrimp production, which forms the backbone of the country’s seafood exports.
World Fisheries Day, observed every November 21st, is a global event that underscores the critical importance of sustainable fisheries and the need to protect aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The Day originated in 1997 when the "World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers" convened in New Delhi. During this meeting, representatives from 18 countries came together to establish the "World Fisheries Forum" and signed a declaration advocating for adopting sustainable fishing practices and policies worldwide.
The day raises awareness about the various threats facing the world’s fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices, while also advocating for the rights of small-scale fishers, who are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups worldwide.
Prelims practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements regarding global fisheries production:
China is the largest fish producer in the world.
India is the third largest fish producer globally.
Indonesia ranks above India in total fish production.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
China is the largest fish producer globally. Indonesia ranks second, while India ranks third in total fish production (capture + aquaculture).
Q. With reference to aquaculture production in the world, which of the following countries rank first and second respectively?
A. China and Indonesia
B. China and India
C. India and Vietnam
D. Indonesia and India
Answer: B
Explanation:
China is the largest aquaculture producer, while India is the second largest aquaculture producing country globally.
Q. Which of the following countries is well known for salmon aquaculture?
A. Bangladesh
B. Norway
C. India
D. Peru
Answer: B
Explanation:
Norway is one of the world’s leading producers of farmed salmon, a major aquaculture export product. Norway is the dominant global leader, followed by Chile.
Q. Consider the following pairs:
Country — Major aquaculture product
China — Carp and tilapia
India — Carp and shrimp
Vietnam — Pangasius
Chile — Salmon
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
China produces carp and tilapia.
India produces carp and shrimp.
Vietnam is famous for pangasius (basa fish) aquaculture.
Chile is a major salmon aquaculture producer.