India's Commerce Ministry Considers PLI Scheme for MSMEs in Seafood Sector

India to Explore Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for MSMEs in Seafood Sector

The Department of Fisheries has announced plans to explore the possibility of formulating a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the seafood sector. This move aims to improve international competitiveness, strengthen export-oriented infrastructure, encourage technology adoption, support research and development, and promote value addition in the sector.

The proposed framework is expected to substantially increase the share of value-added seafood products in India's total seafood exports and expand the number of exporters from around 1,200 presently to 5,000 in the coming years. The Department of Fisheries will explore developing a dedicated PLI scheme for MSMEs in the seafood sector as part of this initiative.

The Indian government has already implemented the PLI scheme for 14 sectors, with an outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore, including white goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, to boost domestic manufacturing and exports. The government has also taken steps to enhance the growth of seafood exports through a coordinated strategy focused on value addition, infrastructure development, product diversification, quality assurance, market expansion, deep-sea fishing, and greater stakeholder participation.

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As part of this initiative, a two-day 'Chintan Shivir' will be jointly organised by the ministries on 5-6 June 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The meeting highlighted the need for an integrated approach towards addressing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues in aquaculture and capture fisheries.

India's marine products exports have attained an unprecedented milestone, with seafood exports touching an all-time high of Rs 72,325.82 crore (USD 8.28 billion) in 2025-26. Efforts will be undertaken to strengthen traceability, quality assurance systems, disease-free zones, and compliance with international food safety standards from the primary production stage onwards. Possibilities for GI tagging of seafood species and products will also be explored.