India exported seafood worth USD 7.38 billion in FY 2024–25. However the export of value-added products forms only 12% of total seafood exports, which is much lower compared to countries like Thailand, China, and Vietnam, where value-added products make up a higher share of exports.
To improve India’s performance in this area, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is supporting value addition through training programs with Indian and international experts and infrastructure development schemes.
As part of its continued efforts, MPEDA has launched an Inter-State Skill Olympiad on Seafood Value Addition to motivate and recognize skilled seafood professionals. The preliminary rounds are being held on May 29, 2025, at NIFPHATT Campus, Kochi (West Coast Zone) and on June 6, 2025, at NIFPHATT Campus, Visakhapatnam (East Coast Zone). Twenty participants from seafood processing units will compete in each pre-liminary round. The winners of the preliminary rounds will make it to the final round to be held during Seafood Expo Bharat 2025 in Chennai from July 1–3, 2025.
During the Olympiad, participants will prepare 10 popular value-added seafood products such as Nobashi, breaded squid rings, breaded butterfly shrimp, marinated items, fish fingers etc within a 3-hour time limit. They will be evaluated on product quality, hygiene, innovation, and execution.
The Olympiad will be witnessed by officials from Central and State organisations including fisheries department, researchers, exporters, processing workers, and students. After the competition, a valedictory session will be held, where cash prizes, mementos and certificates will be distributed to the top three winners. Participation certificates will be given to all contestants. This will be followed by a tasting session, where the prepared products will be displayed and sampled by exporters from industry, central and state officials, and other stakeholders.
This Olympiad aligns with the Government of India’s vision to recognize talent in seafood processing, develop a skilled workforce, create a network of certified trainers, and increase employment opportunities—especially for women in coastal communities. It is one among the strategic steps toward making India a global hub for value-added seafood exports.
