Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Abhilaksh Likhi, on Thursday reviewed the progress of the brackishwater aquaculture cluster in Andhra Pradesh’s Bhimavaram under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, stressing the need to bridge gaps across the value chain and strengthen export linkages.
Chairing a review meeting, Likhi interacted with shrimp and fish farmers and assessed challenges in production, market access and infrastructure. The meeting, held in hybrid mode, saw participation from officials, scientists, exporters and financial institutions.
Addressing stakeholders, Likhi said the Centre remains committed to supporting the Bhimavaram cluster through targeted interventions in pre-production, production and post-production stages. He emphasised promoting fish consumption through institutional tie-ups, encouraging exposure visits for farmers and adopting a “whole-of-fish” approach, including waste utilisation.
He also called for strengthening certification and traceability systems and directed agencies to improve market and export linkages.
Senior state official B Rajshekhar highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strong marine potential and stressed the need for strict compliance with global standards. He called for increased investment in seaweed farming and artificial reefs to boost sustainability and exports.
Officials noted that fisheries clusters are being developed as growth engines integrating production, processing and exports, with a focus on technology adoption such as IoT, biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems.
J K Jena of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research said India is the world’s second-largest fish producer and underscored the need for sustainable growth through stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
Farmers, however, flagged concerns over weak market linkages, limited access to institutional credit and high input costs, particularly feed, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of production expenses. They also sought better broodstock regulation, tax relief and support for adopting new technologies.
Seafood exporters highlighted gaps in last-mile connectivity, rising shipping costs and limited pricing flexibility in global markets.
Following the meeting, Likhi visited a 40-acre shrimp farm in Kalla village, where advanced technologies such as IoT-based sensors and nano-bubble oxygenation are being used to improve productivity.
India’s seafood exports have shown steady growth, rising from ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25 to an estimated ₹68,000 crore in 2025–26. The government has introduced regulatory measures to boost high-seas fishing and enhance export competitiveness.
Brackishwater aquaculture, focused largely on high-value shrimp species, contributes about 15 per cent of India’s total fish production and a significant share of export earnings.
The Bhimavaram cluster, spread over more than 53,000 hectares with over 42,000 ponds, is among the country’s largest aquaculture hubs, supporting a large farming community and contributing substantially to seafood exports.
Andhra Pradesh remains India’s leading fisheries state, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of total fish production and a major share of seafood exports, driven by strong infrastructure, farmer participation and policy support.
