Odisha's Seafood Export Infrastructure: A Detailed Overview
In a significant update on the state's marine products sector, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has officially registered a robust network of seafood exporters and processing facilities in Odisha. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, provided these details in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, highlighting the region's growing capacity in this vital industry.
Registered Exporters and Processing Capacity
MPEDA has registered 62 seafood exporters operating within Odisha, alongside 45 export-oriented processing plants. These plants collectively possess an impressive total processing capacity of 2,318.12 metric tonnes per day (MTPD). This substantial daily throughput underscores the state's ability to handle large volumes of seafood for international markets.
Complementing this processing power, the authority has also registered 50 cold storage facilities across the state. These cold storages offer a combined storage capacity of 52,286 metric tonnes (MT), ensuring proper preservation and quality maintenance of seafood products from harvest to export.
Financial Assistance and Infrastructure Development
In response to a query from Subhasish Khuntia, Minister Prasada detailed the financial support extended to the sector. Nine beneficiaries from Odisha received assistance totaling Rs 967.69 lakh during the period spanning 2021-22 to 2025-26. This funding is specifically allocated for infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing seafood value addition, which includes processing, packaging, and quality improvement initiatives.
Furthermore, MPEDA has been proactive in capacity-building and skill-development programmes. These initiatives are designed to strengthen value addition processes and promote stringent hygiene practices within the seafood processing industry, ensuring compliance with international standards and boosting export competitiveness.
Seafood Park and Future Proposals
Odisha is home to a dedicated seafood park located at Deras, which spans 152 acres. Within this park, 15 exporters have already secured plots, establishing a concentrated hub for seafood processing and export activities. This park serves as a focal point for the industry, facilitating collaboration and efficiency among exporters.
However, regarding the establishment of new seafood-focused processing parks, the minister noted that no proposals have been received from the Odisha government at present. This indicates that while existing infrastructure is being utilized and supported, there are no immediate plans for expanding the number of dedicated processing parks in the state.
The comprehensive data presented by Minister Prasada reflects Odisha's structured approach to developing its seafood export sector. With registered exporters, processing plants, cold storages, and a dedicated park, the state is positioning itself as a key player in India's marine products export landscape, supported by financial aid and training programmes to foster growth and quality.
