Kochi, 10 August (H.S.):Kerala’s seafood export industry continues to be a major contributor to the State’s economy, generating nearly Rs 7,000 crore in annual earnings and supporting a wide network of fishermen, aquaculture farmers, processing units, exporters and workers dependent on the marine sector.

According to figures from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Kerala exported 1,79,660 metric tonnes of marine products during 2024-25, earning Rs 6,941.36 crore. In dollar terms, the exports were valued at $829.42 million, with an average unit value of $4.62 per kg.

The figures underline Kerala’s continuing importance in India’s seafood trade despite increasing competition from major aquaculture-producing States and changing conditions in international markets. Kochi remains one of the country’s major seafood processing and export hubs, backed by an established network of processing plants, cold-storage facilities, exporters and logistics operators.

Shrimp is among the most valuable products in Kerala’s seafood export basket, while frozen fish, squid, cuttlefish and a range of other marine products also contribute significantly to export earnings. Kerala’s long coastline, traditional fishing industry and decades of experience in seafood processing have helped the State maintain a significant presence in overseas markets.

The industry’s economic importance extends well beyond the value of seafood shipped abroad. Processing, freezing, packaging, transportation, cold-chain operations and quality certification generate considerable economic activity within the State. Thousands of people are directly and indirectly dependent on the export-oriented seafood industry.

Kerala, however, faces challenges in expanding its share of India’s marine exports. Fluctuations in international seafood prices, rising processing and transportation costs, stringent quality standards in importing countries and competition from other seafood-producing nations continue to put pressure on exporters.

The expansion of aquaculture is increasingly being seen as an important route for improving seafood production and export earnings. While Kerala has traditionally depended heavily on marine catches, greater production of export-oriented species through sustainable aquaculture could provide the industry with a more consistent supply of raw material.

Value addition is another area with considerable potential. Instead of relying predominantly on conventional frozen seafood, processors can increase returns through ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat and other specialised products. Such products generally command better prices in international markets and could help Kerala increase export revenue without a proportionate increase in the volume of seafood harvested.

The seafood industry is also an important employment generator. A large number of workers, particularly women, are involved in peeling, cleaning, grading, processing and packing marine products. Fishing harbours, ice plants, cold storages, transport operators and other ancillary businesses are closely linked to the sector.

At the national level, the United States, China, the European Union, Japan and Southeast Asian markets have traditionally been important destinations for Indian seafood. Market diversification has assumed greater significance as exporters attempt to reduce risks arising from excessive dependence on individual countries.

Kerala’s future performance will also depend on its ability to meet increasingly stringent international requirements on food safety, traceability and sustainable fishing. Modernisation of processing facilities and better cold-chain infrastructure could further strengthen the State’s competitiveness.

With marine product exports earning Rs 6,941.36 crore in 2024-25, seafood remains an important source of foreign exchange and employment for Kerala. Greater emphasis on aquaculture, value-added products, processing technology, sustainability and diversification of overseas markets could help the State substantially increase its seafood export revenue in the coming years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman