Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 22: The Centre on Wednesday said it has approved fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 21,394.88 crore, including initiatives to strengthen seafood export infrastructure, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
According to the Department of Fisheries, the approved projects involve a Central assistance of Rs 9,510.89 crore and are aimed at expanding the country's fisheries sector while enhancing export capabilities through modern infrastructure and quality standards.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the government is implementing multiple measures to improve seafood export infrastructure under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
As part of the initiative, 18 major infrastructure projects with a total investment of Rs 345.89 crore have been supported, primarily focusing on expanding and modernising fish processing facilities.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which is implementing the Technology Development for Specific Value-Added Marine Products (TDSVMP) Scheme to promote value addition in the seafood sector.
Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided for establishing and upgrading fish processing plants, cold storage facilities, automated processing equipment, and infrastructure for handling live, chilled, ornamental and dried fish. The programme also encourages the development of innovative value-added seafood products.
Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, MPEDA has extended financial assistance amounting to Rs 118.10 crore to 89 seafood processing units for infrastructure development under the scheme, Singh informed the House.
The minister further said that the Export Inspection Council (EIC), functioning under the Department of Commerce, serves as the country's competent authority for quality control and inspection of notified export products, including marine products.
To ensure compliance with international food safety standards, the EIC conducts regular training programmes on Food Safety Management System (FSMS) requirements for approved seafood export establishments. It also mandates testing of farmed shrimp for banned antibiotic residues before export certification.
Complementing these efforts, MPEDA carries out pre-harvest testing and implements certification initiatives such as SHAPHARI. In collaboration with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) and the EIC, it is also implementing the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) to improve residue monitoring, product traceability and adherence to global quality standards.
The government has additionally launched the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2025, which seeks to establish a nationwide digital traceability system covering the entire fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
According to the minister, the framework is designed to strengthen food safety, improve quality assurance, enhance transparency, build consumer confidence and ensure compliance with both domestic and international regulations. The initiative is expected to facilitate greater market access for Indian seafood products and further boost the country's seafood exports.