The Visakhapatnam Port continues to anchor India’s seafood trade, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total marine exports in recent fiscal years, according to data shared in Parliament.Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada outlined the robust performance of regional exports alongside updates on the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Andhra Pradesh.Data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) reveals that seafood exports through the Visakhapatnam Port reached $2.19 billion, contributing significantly to India’s national seafood export basket of $3.38 billion in 2024. The port maintained its strong momentum, capturing a 50.87% share in FY 2025 and a 48.89% share in FY 2026.To ensure high standards, the MPEDA continues to implement the SHAPHARI Certification Scheme, granting quality credentials to eligible aquaculture hatcheries and feed manufacturing units across the State. Furthermore, the Fisheries Department has distributed fishing boats and nets to traditional fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and empowered self-help groups by establishing seaweed culture units.On the industrial front, the Andhra Pradesh government has identified 99 distinct products across its 26 districts under the ODOP framework.Notable selections include Udayagiri wooden cutlery and Paturu cotton silk sarees from the SPSR Nellore district, alongside Etikoppaka lacquerware toys, palm leaf items, and Payakaraopeta silk sarees from the Anakapalli district.The Handlooms and Textiles Department reports that about 100 weavers actively drive the production of Payakaraopeta silk sarees, generating a production value of ₹10.08 crore.Authorities promote these regional crafts through the national and State level handloom expos, capacity-building programs, and e-commerce integration via the government e-Marketplace ODOP Bazaar.Additionally, collaborations between the Handloom Export Promotion Council and State agencies actively expand global market access for local artisans. Published - July 29, 2026 07:10 pm IST