PROMOTION OF INLAND FISHERIES EXPORT

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has drafted a guidance document, in consultation with MPEDA, EIC and NFDB, to boost inland fisheries exports by enhancing quality assurance, traceability, post‑harvest management and market access. Under PMMSY and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, the Department approved projects worth ₹2,797 crore for cold‑chain and marketing infrastructure, including 775 cold storages, 28,489 transport units and numerous retail and wholesale markets. A pilot project funded at ₹116.85 lakh is testing drone‑based transport of live fish (up to 100 kg over ~10 km). An MoU with ONDC aims to create a digital marketplace for fisheries stakeholders. The government is also leveraging FTAs and trade fairs to expand market access for inland seafood products.