Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh), recently highlighted the significant opportunities for enhanced trade and market access through a strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Indian state of Kerala.
Speaking at the ‘Blue Tides – Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave,’ organized by Kerala’s State Fisheries department, the Minister stressed that increased access to the EU market, especially for shrimp, would create new employment opportunities and boost foreign exchange earnings. This, he noted, would directly benefit coastal communities and seafood processors throughout India.
Minister Singh commended the EU’s unwavering commitment to rigorous food safety standards and traceability. He affirmed that the Indian fisheries sector is equally dedicated to these principles, implementing stringent measures for traceability and contaminant control at every stage of seafood processing.
Over the past five years, the Union government has channeled substantial investment into Kerala’s fisheries sector, approving projects worth ₹1,346 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These initiatives are comprehensive, addressing various aspects from boosting production and improving infrastructure to establishing robust cold chains, enhancing climate resilience, managing diseases, and ensuring livelihood security for fishing communities.
Pioneering Artificial Reefs and Sustainable Practices
The Minister particularly lauded Kerala for its exemplary efforts in installing artificial reefs under the PMMSY and for actively embracing other eco-friendly practices within its fishing industry.
These concerted efforts by the Union government to revolutionize the fisheries sector are yielding impressive results. Mr. Singh revealed that India’s fish production has soared from 9.6 million tonnes in 2013-14 to an estimated 19.5 million tonnes in 2024-25. This remarkable growth positions India as the world’s second-largest fish producer and a global leader in aquaculture, also ranking among the top seafood exporters with an export value of $7.45 billion. He attributed this success to modernization, significant infrastructure development, and the adoption of sustainable fishing practices.
In an online address, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, echoed these sentiments, stating that the conclave not only facilitates new partnerships but also underscores India’s unwavering dedication to the sustainable development of its blue economy through innovative and pioneering schemes.