Rise in India’s Seafood Exports

Growth Overview

India's seafood exports have experienced remarkable growth, increasing from Rs 46,662.85 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 61,043.68 crore in 2023-24, marking an impressive rise of 30.81%. This surge highlights India's growing position in the global seafood market.

Supporting Infrastructure and Initiatives

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): This agency plays a crucial role in bolstering the seafood industry by:
• Enhancing infrastructure.
• Establishing testing labs.
• Providing technical assistance for aquaculture focused on export.

Policy Changes and Financial Incentives

• Reduced Import Duties: Recent budgetary reforms have lowered import duties on essential ingredients for seafood production, increasing the competitiveness of Indian seafood products in the international market.
• Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP): The RoDTEP rate has increased from 2.5% to 3.1%, offering additional financial incentives for exporters.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• The government is implementing the PMMSY, with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore over five years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25). This scheme aims to:
• Address critical gaps in fish production and productivity.
• Improve the quality of catches and harvests.
• Promote technology adoption.
• Enhance post-harvest infrastructure.
• Modernize and strengthen the seafood value chain.
• Reduce post-harvest losses and improve traceability.

Investment in Cold Chain Infrastructure

Since 2020-21, the Department of Fisheries has approved Rs 1,283.47 crore for developing cold chain infrastructure under PMMSY. This investment is vital for reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the seafood value chain, ensuring that more seafood reaches consumers in optimal condition.

Status of the Fisheries Sector in India

India is the third-largest fish producer and the second-largest aquaculture producer globally, highlighting the importance of the fisheries and aquaculture industry in the country's economy. The Indian Blue Revolution has catalyzed significant advancements in these sectors, which are increasingly recognized as "sunrise sectors" with great potential for economic impact.

Key Developments

• Shift in Production Focus: There has been a notable transition from marine-dominated fisheries to inland fisheries. Inland fisheries now contribute around 70% of fish production, up from 36% in the mid-1980s.
• Production Milestones: Fish production reached an all-time high of 16.25 million metric tons (MMT) during FY 2021-22, with marine exports amounting to Rs 57,586 crore.
• Top Producing States: Andhra Pradesh leads fish production, followed by West Bengal.

Current Challenges

• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing:
• IUU fishing undermines sustainability, involves illegal practices, and poses a significant threat to fish populations.
• Weak monitoring and surveillance make it challenging to combat this issue effectively.
• Inadequate Infrastructure and Technology:
• Outdated vessels and processing facilities reduce efficiency.
• Insufficient cold storage and transportation lead to high post-harvest losses.
• Limited access to modern technology restricts fishers' ability to locate stocks effectively.
• Climate Change and Environmental Degradation:
• Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification negatively impact marine ecosystems and fish distribution.
• Pollution and habitat destruction exacerbate the decline in fish populations.
• Socio-Economic Issues:
• Many fishers operate in small-scale, artisanal fisheries facing low incomes and inadequate access to credit, insurance, and social security.
• Gender disparities further marginalize women in the sector.
• Market Access and Value Chain Inefficiencies:
• Poor post-harvest handling and inadequate market linkages limit profitability.
• Despite significant production, accessing both domestic and international markets remains a challenge.

Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship scheme aimed at enhancing fish production, improving infrastructure, and increasing market access.
• Palk Bay Scheme: Focused on sustainable fishing practices in the Palk Bay region.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): A financial support initiative to boost infrastructure development in the fisheries sector.

Way Forward

• Embrace Aquaponics:
• Promote aquaponics, which combines fish farming with hydroponics, to enhance sustainability, reduce water usage, and increase land productivity.
• Enhance Cold Chain Infrastructure:
• Improve cold chain systems to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure high-quality fish products.
• Establish fish collection centers near coastal areas linked with modern storage and transportation facilities.
• Support Value Addition and Diversification:
• Encourage fish farmers to engage in value-added activities through training and financial assistance.
• Promote innovative fish-based products like ready-to-eat snacks and health supplements to expand market opportunities.