The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is in discussions with Quikjet Cargo Airlines to launch an air cargo service for transporting fresh tuna from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Bengaluru, a move aimed at unlocking the islands’ vast tuna export potential and strengthening India’s seafood value chain.
MPEDA Chairman P. Jawahar said the proposal is part of a broader strategy to promote tuna exports from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are estimated to have an annual tuna resource potential of around 60,000 metric tonnes. Bengaluru has been identified as the preferred gateway due to its robust cold chain infrastructure, extensive international air connectivity and well-established perishable cargo handling ecosystem.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ fisheries department has sought MPEDA’s technical assistance in developing a comprehensive tuna export strategy. Quikjet Cargo Airlines, headquartered in Bengaluru, has expressed interest in operating dedicated flights to transport fresh tuna from the islands to the mainland for domestic distribution and exports.
MPEDA is also encouraging private entrepreneurs to undertake on-board primary processing of tuna to produce sashimi-grade fish, a premium product that commands significantly higher prices in international markets. According to Jawahar, Indian tuna currently fetches around US$1.5–2 per kg, while sashimi-grade tuna can earn up to US$10 per kg, provided the fish is handled and chilled immediately after being caught.
To support this initiative, MPEDA is launching two Tuna Missions in Visakhapatnam and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The pilot projects are expected to generate operational insights that can be scaled up across India’s tuna fishing sector.