With the US imposing a steep 50% tariff on seafood imports, the Odisha government has rolled out a comprehensive plan to shield exporters and expand access to global markets.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the MSME department, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Paradip Port Trust, and other stakeholders discussed strategies to upgrade cold chain infrastructure and improve export logistics.
Key Measures Announced
According to MPEDA state coordinator Subhrakant Mohapatra, frozen shrimp and fish remain Odisha’s top export commodities, with the US being the largest buyer. To sustain the industry and diversify markets, the state will:
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Add refrigerated container (reefer) points at Paradip Port.
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Strengthen quality certification and quarantine facilities at the port.
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Develop a dedicated seafood cargo corridor between Paradip Port and Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar.
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Explore cargo flights and belly cargo space for chilled and live fish exports.
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Establish a modern perishable cargo handling centre at BPIA.
Global Market Push
The meeting also recommended lobbying for direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian seafood hubs. Exporters using reefer containers and air cargo may receive subsidies and financial incentives to make Odisha’s seafood competitive globally.
MPEDA announced plans to host large-scale buyer-seller meets in Odisha, with discussions underway with Gulf-based LuLu Seafood Group to expand exports to the region.
