Andhra Pradesh Emerges as India’s Leading Seafoods Exporter : MPEDA

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a pivotal contributor to India’s booming seafood export industry, accounting for approximately 32% of the country’s total exports in the fiscal year 2023-24.

According to the officials of The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the state played a significant role in exporting 7,16,004 metric tonnes of frozen shrimp, a cornerstone of India’s seafood trade to destinations like the USA, China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

India has exported 17,81,602 metric tonnes of seafood worth ₹60,523 crore during 2023-24, of which Andhra Pradesh has contributed about 32%.

In 2022-23, India exported 17,35,286 MT of seafood worth ₹63,969.14 crore, according to MPEDA Chairman Mr. D.V. Swamy. Besides shrimp, other items such as frozen fish, squid, cuttle fish, octopus, lobster and dried fish were exported to Japan, Canada, Thailand, Belgium, Spain and other countries, the MPEDA Chairman said.

Despite global market challenges, India recorded this historic high in seafood exports during this period, highlighting the nation’s prowess in meeting international demand for quality shrimp and other seafood products. MPEDA’s initiatives include training programs aimed at enhancing aquaculture practices and promoting value-added seafood products, thereby fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in the aquaculture sector.