Gujarat’s coastal communities thrive on record seafood exports

Gujarat’s fisheries sector strengthens its position as India’s second-largest marine producer

Gujarat’s fisheries sector is witnessing unprecedented expansion, driven by rising production, surging exports, and robust government investment. Official data reveals that the value of fish exports from the state has soared from US$69.348 millions in 2001 to over US$666.7 millions in 2023-2024, marking a nearly tenfold increase and solidifying Gujarat’s role as a key player in India’s marine economy, reports ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

Gujarat has emerged as the country’s second-largest marine fish producer in India, maintaining an average annual output of 8.560 metric tonnes over the past four years. Experts stated that Dholai Port on the Ambika River in Navsari has become a central hub of this growth since the Department of Fisheries took over its operations in 2007.

To further bolster the sector, the Gujarat government has allocated a US$179.75 millions fisheries package, targeting shrimp production, storage infrastructure, cage culture, and by-product processing. These measures aim to modernise marine facilities and streamline the value chain from catch to export.

Оfficial statistics show that between 2001–2002 and 2023–2024, Gujarat’s fish exports grew from 1.320 metric tonnes to 3.370 metric tonnes, with export values climbing from US$69.425 millions to US$675.394 millions. Gujarat is fostering a dual approach – preserving traditional fishing livelihoods while advancing a high-tech marine economy – to create fresh economic prospects across its coastal areas.

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