AP to Contribute 30% to India’s $30-Billion Seafood Export Target: CM Naidu
Visakhapatnam, June 5 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said India has successfully overcome global challenges and expanded seafood exports to new international markets despite trade barriers and tariff-related hurdles.
He asserted that Andhra Pradesh would contribute at least 30 per cent towards the Government of India’s ambitious target of achieving USD 30 billion in annual seafood exports, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening the country’s blue economy.
Addressing a joint press conference with Union Ministers on the sidelines of the National Workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam, Naidu said the growth of seafood exports would not only strengthen the country’s economy but also significantly improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is facilitating the induction of 200 modernised fishing boats to enhance the productivity and incomes of fishermen.
Highlighting the need for value addition in the sector, Naidu noted that only about 12 per cent of seafood production currently undergoes processing, underscoring the need for greater investment in seafood processing infrastructure.
He called for wider adoption of technology and innovation across the aquaculture sector and sought Central Government support to address challenges such as rising fish feed costs.
He also advocated restrictions on excessive fish meal exports and sought measures to ensure adequate soybean availability for the industry.
Welcoming the Centre’s efforts to negotiate Free Trade Agreements and expand access to global markets, Naidu expressed confidence that Indian seafood products would soon find a larger presence in households across the world.
The Chief Minister announced that Andhra Pradesh would implement the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) and assured that issues related to the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour would be resolved on priority.
Referring to the Union Government’s ambitious target of achieving USD 30 billion in annual seafood exports, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh would contribute at least 30 per cent towards the national goal.
He also appreciated the Centre’s support for projects in Bhimavaram aimed at integrating the aquaculture sector with the circular economy, saying such initiatives would promote sustainable growth and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of India’s seafood industry.
Reiterating Andhra Pradesh’s leadership in fisheries and aquaculture, the Chief Minister said the state would continue to work closely with the Centre to enhance production, improve processing capacity, expand exports and create greater economic opportunities for fishing communities.
TNT KM
