Kerala-EU partnership can help expand trade, market access: Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) has said that a partnership between the European Union (EU) and Kerala holds huge potential for expanding trade and market access.

“Expanding access to the EU market, particularly for shrimp, will generate additional employment and foreign exchange, directly benefiting coastal communities and seafood processors across the country,” he said, addressing ‘Blue Tides – Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave’ organised by the State Fisheries department here on Friday.

“EU stands as a vital partner to the sector. India values EU’s commitment to food safety and traceability,” he said. Today, the Indian fisheries sector pays great attention to traceability and contaminant control at every stage of the process, he added.

Mr. Singh also noted that the Union government had approved fisheries projects to the tune of ₹1,346 crore in Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) over the past five years. These projects covered production, infrastructure, cold chain, climate resilience, disease management and livelihood security, he said.

Artificial reefs

Kerala has been a model state for the installation of artificial reefs under the PMMSY and adoption of eco-friendly initiatives, Mr. Singh added.

Efforts taken by the Union government to transform the fisheries sector have yielded results, the Union Minister said. Fish production has risen from 9.6 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 19.5 million tonnes in 2024-25. India is the second largest fish producer globally. India also ranks second in aquaculture, and is among the top seafood exporters, with exports valued at $7.45 billion. “This growth is powered by modernisation, infrastructure development and sustainable practices,” Mr. Singh said.

Addressing the conclave online, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the conclave served not just as a platform for forging partnerships but also as a reflection of India’s commitment to sustainable development of blue economy through pioneering schemes.