The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is implementing strategic initiatives to strengthen seafood export infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with total approved projects worth ₹21,394.88 crore and a Central share of ₹9,510.89 crore. Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has supported 18 major projects with a total cost of ₹345.89 crore primarily for expansion and modernization of fish processing plants.
Export Performance and Infrastructure Development
India's seafood exports have shown significant growth, reaching 1,972,018 tons valued at ₹73,890.46 crore in 2025-26, up from 1,369,264 tons valued at ₹57,586.48 crore in 2021-22. Andhra Pradesh remained the top exporter with 409,274 tons valued at ₹23,765.11 crore in 2025-26, followed by Maharashtra (281,147 tons, ₹9,057.83 crore) and Gujarat (312,259 tons, ₹7,145.67 crore).
The MPEDA's Technology Development for Specific Value-Added Marine Products Scheme has provided financial assistance of ₹118.10 crore to 89 seafood processing units for infrastructure development during 2021-22 to 2025-26. This supports establishment and modernization of fish processing facilities, cold storage, automated processing machinery, and infrastructure for handling live, chilled, ornamental, and dried fish.
Quality Control and Compliance Measures
The Export Inspection Council (EIC) serves as the Competent Authority for quality control and inspection of marine export products, conducting periodic training on Food Safety Management System requirements and mandating testing of aquaculture shrimp for banned antibiotics. MPEDA supports these efforts through pre-harvest testing, SHAPHARI certification programme, and implementation of the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) together with CAA and EIC to strengthen residue monitoring and traceability.
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority has updated the list of prohibited pharmacologically active substances and antimicrobial agents under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Rules, 2024, to strengthen compliance with international food safety requirements.
State-wise Fund Allocation
Under PMMSY (2020-21 to 2025-26), Andhra Pradesh received the highest allocation with project cost of ₹2,328.89 crore and central share of ₹681.38 crore, followed by Maharashtra (₹1,601.44 crore project cost, ₹593.33 crore central share) and Uttar Pradesh (₹1,294.32 crore project cost, ₹412.30 crore central share). The total central funds released stood at ₹6,113.12 crore against the approved central share of ₹9,510.89 crore.
Traceability Framework
The Department of Fisheries has released the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2025, to establish a national digital traceability system across the fisheries value chain. The framework aims to ensure compliance with domestic and international requirements, strengthen food safety, quality assurance, and transparency, and enhance consumer confidence and market access. It envisages phased implementation through a National Level Governance Committee for strategic oversight and an Adoption Committee to facilitate IT-based traceability system adoption.