A fresh haul of tuna arrives at the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour.
| Photo Credit: V RAJU
In a major boost for the fisheries sector in North Andhra, the Union Government has proposed the establishment of a regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Visakhapatnam.The proposal was highlighted during the National Workshop on Seafood Exports, where Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to build a globally competitive and trusted Indian seafood brand based on quality, sustainability, and traceability.NFDB: The Catalyst for Fishery TransformationThe NFDB, headquartered in Hyderabad, operates as an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Its core mandate is to provide professional management to the fisheries sector by formulating guidelines for funding support, grants, and subsidies. The board focuses on modernising production and processing while applying advanced research and biotechnology to optimise productivity.Ministerial Vision and Regional PresenceMr. Rajiv Ranjan underscored that India’s fisheries production and exports have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching 197 lakh tonnes and over ₹73,000 crore, respectively. He stated that the government’s vision is to position India as a globally trusted brand, noting that the strengthening of export infrastructure, including the potential establishment of quarantine and allied facilities in Visakhapatnam, remains a top priority to facilitate seamless trade.Andhra Pradesh Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu hailed the move, noting that it aligns with the State’s goal to elevate Andhra Pradesh to the top spot in national fish production.Land AllocationDemonstrating the State’s proactive commitment to this project, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has given a formal assurance that the government will allocate the required land for the new NFDB regional office within 15 days.This rapid response underscores the State’s determination to streamline administrative support for the aquaculture sector and ensure that central initiatives, such as the ₹72.42 crore modernisation of the Kakinada Fishing Harbour, are implemented without delay.Empowering Farmers, ExportersThis institutional expansion is set to provide several key benefits for the local ecosystem. The office will offer faster access to Central schemes and financial assistance for the farming community. It will facilitate better oversight of projects, such as the Kakinada harbour upgrade, ensuring improved facilities for fishers. The presence of the board will ensure better coordination between the State and Central governments to bolster the state’s economy.As India targets $30 billion in annual seafood exports, the integration of the NFDB at the regional level serves as a crucial policy intervention. By bridging the gap between production and marketing, this coordinated approach aims to empower local producers and secure Andhra Pradesh’s status as a globally competitive seafood powerhouse. Published - June 07, 2026 07:52 pm IST
