Bhubaneswar, 24 September (H.S.): Odisha’s seafood exports have been adversely affected following tariff restrictions imposed by the United States, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik informed the State Assembly today. He was responding to a question raised by MLA Tusharkanti Behera.

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Odisha recorded an estimated 11.92 lakh metric tonnes of fish and shrimp production, with shrimp contributing around 1.45 lakh metric tonnes. The US, traditionally one of the largest markets for Odisha’s seafood, has become challenging due to the newly imposed tariffs, the Minister noted.

Currently, nearly 24.5% of the state’s total seafood exports are shipped to the US. The tariff restrictions have directly impacted around 62 seafood processing units in Odisha, while approximately 25,000 shrimp farmers are facing indirect losses.

Minister Mallik added that the Union Government is engaging with states to identify alternative export markets, including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia, and Southeast Asia, to mitigate the impact of the US tariffs and sustain the seafood industry.

The state government is also exploring measures to support local farmers and processing units in diversifying export destinations and maintaining production and employment levels in the sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda