India exporting diverse variety of fish despite global headwinds: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, June 5
India's fisheries sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by key reforms under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.
As a result, seafood exports have reached a record high despite global headwinds, he posted on X.
The minister addressed the 'National Workshop on Seafood Exports' in Visakhapatnam, and interacted with exporters and industry stakeholders of the fisheries sector.
"Underscored the vast opportunities in India's fisheries sector for value addition, employment generation, and export growth. Also, reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, expanding market access and ensuring greater prosperity for our fisherfolk," said Goyal.
"India is exporting a more diverse variety of fish. The PM Modi government is working with the singular mission to help our fisherfolk, farmers, and exporters expand to global markets," he added.
Goyal also visited the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI.
"Had the opportunity to plant a tree sapling during the visit, continuing the #EkPedMaaKeNaam plantation drive. Also learned about the Centre's efforts towards advancing fisheries research and supporting the sustainable growth of India's fisheries sector," the minister informed.
India's seafood exports touched an all-time high in both volume and value during 2025-26. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood during the fiscal year, valued at Rs 73,890 crore ($8.46 billion), the highest ever achieved by the sector.
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India's seafood export basket, accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp exports generated Rs 49,038 crore ($5.62 billion), contributing 66.5 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings from seafood exports.
Export volumes of frozen shrimp rose to 7.93 lakh metric tonnes, with the United States remaining the largest buyer, followed by China and the European Union. The United States retained its position as India's largest seafood market by value, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is impressive growth, but I hope the government is also focusing on the welfare of our fisherfolk. Export earnings are great, but the fishermen who risk their lives in the sea need better safety nets and fair prices. 🌊
Very happy about this achievement! PM Modi's focus on fisheries and aquaculture is yielding results. The #EkPedMaaKeNaam drive is a nice touch too. Sustainability and exports going hand in hand. Thumbs up! 👏
Read about this. Record exports are good, but we must ensure our domestic market doesn't suffer. Fish is a staple protein for many Indians. If we export too much, prices at local markets might shoot up. Just a thought.
Wonderful news for our coastal communities! The US being our largest buyer shows the quality of Indian seafood. I just hope small-scale fishermen from Kerala, Goa, and other coastal states are also benefitting from this boom.
Finally some positive economic news! The diversification in fish exports is key - relying too heavily on shrimp alone is risky. Frozen shrimp is still 66% but the trend is moving in the right direction. 🎉
Good job by MPEDA and the government. But we need
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