Odisha has approved a new marine fishing law aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector and significantly expanding seafood exports, with the state targeting export revenues of Rs 25,000 crore by 2036.
The legislation is designed to strengthen regulation of marine fishing activities, improve sustainability practices and support the long-term growth of the fisheries economy. Officials said the new framework will focus on better resource management, enhanced monitoring systems and the promotion of deep-sea fishing and value-added seafood processing.
The state government plans to boost infrastructure development across fishing harbours, cold-chain facilities, fish landing centres and export-oriented processing units to improve supply chain efficiency and global competitiveness. Authorities also aim to attract private investment into marine food processing and aquaculture-related industries.
Odisha’s long coastline and growing seafood processing sector have positioned the state as an important contributor to India’s marine exports. Industry stakeholders believe the new policy framework could help expand export volumes, create employment opportunities and improve incomes for fishing communities.
The government expects the law to support sustainable fishing practices while strengthening Odisha’s presence in international seafood markets, particularly in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, where demand for Indian marine products continues to grow.