Goyal sets $30 billion seafood export target over next five years

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday set a target to scale India’s seafood exports to $30 billion over the next five years, citing strong growth momentum in the sector.

Addressing a national workshop on seafood exports in Visakhapatnam, Goyal praised the resilience of India’s fishing community, noting that they adhere to global standards and best practices.

He said seafood production had reached 164 lakh tonnes by 2024, while export earnings had risen from about $5 billion historically to $8.5 billion in the current financial year, marking a growth of 25–30 per cent. He attributed this expansion to policy support and governance reforms under the Narendra Modi-led government.

India currently exports premium seafood to 38 countries, and efforts are under way to expand this footprint further, he said. Goyal highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as a key initiative driving infrastructure modernisation, productivity enhancement, and sustainable practices in the fisheries sector.

Emphasising the global potential of Indian marine products, the Minister said the government remains committed to strengthening livelihoods dependent on fisheries. He added that with institutional support and sustainable practices, India is well positioned to emerge as a major global player in high-quality seafood exports.