The Centre has urged Odisha to enhance its fisheries value chain by expanding processing infrastructure, promoting high-value aquaculture, and improving export competitiveness. This move aims to unlock the state's untapped seafood export potential and support India's Blue Economy ambitions.
Review Meeting Highlights
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired a review meeting on fisheries and aquaculture schemes in Bhubaneswar. He called on the Odisha government to foster collaboration among fishers, fish farmers, exporters, cooperatives, Fisheries Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), and other stakeholders to improve value addition and expand exports.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Singh emphasized the need to enhance capacity building, promote value addition through modern processing, and diversify fish species and fisheries products to boost competitiveness, expand export opportunities, and increase incomes across the fisheries sector.
Odisha's Fisheries Performance
The ministry noted that Odisha has emerged as a major fisheries hub, with fish production reaching 12.70 lakh metric tonnes in 2025-26. The sector supports more than 16 lakh fishers and generated Rs 5,429 crore in seafood exports. Projects worth over Rs 1,301 crore have been approved for the state under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), covering fish production, infrastructure development, technology adoption, fisher welfare, and post-harvest facilities.
Key Priorities for Growth
The review identified infrastructure development, technology adoption, and institutional convergence as key priorities for accelerating growth. Discussions focused on expanding hatcheries, fishing harbours, landing centres, cold-chain and processing facilities. Promoting high-value species such as scampi, seabass, pompano, and tilapia was highlighted to improve productivity, profitability, and export competitiveness.
Coordination and Market Linkages
The ministry called for closer coordination between central and state governments, research institutions, and financial agencies to improve project implementation. Expanding access to institutional credit and strengthening market linkages are seen as crucial to transforming Odisha into a leading fisheries and aquaculture hub, while contributing to India's long-term Blue Economy strategy.
