Context: India recorded its highest-ever seafood exports in FY 2025–26, reaching 19.72 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹73,890 crore (USD 8.46 billion) despite challenging global market conditions.
About India’s Seafood Exports Reach Record High in FY 2025–26:
What It Is?
- India achieved an all-time high in marine product exports, with seafood exports touching 19,72,018 MT valued at ₹73,890.46 crore (USD 8.46 billion) during FY 2025–26.
Key Findings:
- Record Export Performance: Seafood exports reached 19.72 lakh MT, valued at ₹73,890 crore (USD 8.46 billion), the highest ever in both quantity and value.
- Frozen Shrimp Remained the Star Export:
- Exported 7,92,647 MT of frozen shrimp worth ₹49,037.93 crore (USD 5.62 billion).
- Accounted for 40.19% of export volume and 66.52% of export earnings.
- Registered 13.16% growth in rupee terms and 8.64% growth in dollar terms.
- Leading Export Ports: Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) and Kochi Port.
- Shrimp Dominance Continues: vannamei and Black Tiger Shrimp recorded growth in both quantity and value, reinforcing India’s global shrimp leadership.
Significance:
- Record seafood exports enhance India’s Blue Economy, generating employment, foreign exchange, and coastal economic
- Supports millions engaged in fishing, aquaculture, processing, logistics, and marine exports across coastal states.
- Export earnings of USD 8.46 billion strengthen India’s trade balance and export diversification.
Relevance in UPSC Examination:
- GS Paper III
- Agriculture & Allied Activities
- Fisheries sector and export potential.
- Aquaculture development.
- Coastal economy and livelihood generation.
- Economy
- Export performance and foreign trade.
- Blue Economy and maritime economic development.
- Agriculture & Allied Activities
