Visakhapatnam Port Crosses 50% Share of India’s Marine Exports, Strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s Position in Global Seafood Trade
Parliamentary Data Highlights Surge in Marine Export Share and Expanding Opportunities Through the One District One Product Initiative
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
New Delhi | July 30, 2026: Visakhapatnam Port has emerged as India’s leading marine export gateway, with its share in the country’s seafood exports increasing significantly over the past two financial years, according to information presented in the Lok Sabha by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Official data placed before Parliament shows that the port’s contribution to India’s marine product exports increased from 29.67% during FY 2024 to 50.87% in FY 2025, before recording 48.89% in FY 2026, reflecting sustained dominance in the country’s marine export sector.
The figures were shared in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 311, raised by Members of Parliament Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy and Dr. C. M. Ramesh, seeking details regarding the implementation of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Andhra Pradesh and measures undertaken to promote exports.
Significant Growth in Marine Export Share
According to the Ministry, exports of marine products routed through Visakhapatnam Port accounted for US$2.19 billion out of India’s total seafood exports of US$7.38 billion during FY 2024. Subsequently, the port’s share increased to 50.87% in FY 2025 and remained high at 48.89% in FY 2026, underlining Visakhapatnam’s continued importance in India’s seafood export ecosystem.
The accompanying press release states that this rise represents an increase of over 21 percentage points between FY 2024 and FY 2025, positioning Visakhapatnam Port as the country’s largest marine export gateway.
ODOP Driving Regional Economic Development
The parliamentary reply also provides an update on Andhra Pradesh’s implementation of the One District One Product (ODOP) programme.
Under the initiative, the State Government has identified 99 products across its 26 districts, comprising:
- 26 Primary products
- 26 Secondary products
- 21 Tertiary products
- 26 Category products
The ODOP programme, implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), seeks to identify, brand, and promote at least one distinctive product from every district to stimulate regional economic development and enhance market access.
Products Identified from Andhra Pradesh
The Government informed Parliament that several traditional products have been selected under the ODOP initiative.
For SPSR Nellore District, the identified products include:
- Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery (Primary)
- Paturu Cotton Silk Sarees (Secondary)
For Anakapalli District, the selected products are:
- Etikoppaka Lacquerware/Wooden Toys (Primary)
- Palm Leaf Products (Secondary)
- Payakaraopet Silk Sarees (Tertiary)
These products represent the state’s effort to promote traditional craftsmanship alongside export-oriented economic development.
Employment and Economic Impact
The Ministry also shared production and employment-related information received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Approximately 100 handloom weavers are engaged in producing Payakaraopet Silk Sarees, with a reported production value of ₹10.08 crore since the product’s inclusion under the ODOP programme.
In addition, the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited organizes district-level and state-level exhibitions while conducting training programmes to strengthen the promotion and marketing of ODOP products.
Government Support for Market Expansion
The Union Government outlined several measures aimed at improving the domestic and international visibility of ODOP products.
These include:
- Participation in domestic and international trade exhibitions.
- Capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with partner agencies.
- Onboarding producers to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) – ODOP Bazaar.
- Virtual buyer-seller meetings.
- Engagement with Indian Missions abroad.
- Promotion of ODOP products through international exhibitions.
- Inclusion of selected ODOP products in official gifts during multilateral and bilateral meetings to enhance global visibility.
Strengthening Handloom and Fisheries Sectors
The parliamentary reply further notes that the Government of Andhra Pradesh has undertaken multiple initiatives to support traditional industries.
Among them are:
- National Handloom Expos (NHEs).
- State Level Handloom Expos (SHEs).
- Marketing assistance under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP).
- Collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) to identify export-ready handloom products.
For the fisheries sector, support measures include:
- SHAPHARI Certification Scheme implemented by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to promote antibiotic-free aquaculture products.
- Assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for replacement of fishing boats and nets for traditional fishermen.
- Promotion of seaweed cultivation through dedicated culture units to support Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
No Proposal for Additional ODOP Products
Responding to a query regarding expansion of the ODOP list, the Ministry informed Parliament that no proposal has been received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for inclusion of additional products under the programme.
Analysis: Strategic Importance of Visakhapatnam Port
The latest parliamentary data underscores the strategic importance of Visakhapatnam Port in India’s seafood export value chain. The sustained share of nearly half of the country’s marine exports indicates the port’s growing significance for fisheries, aquaculture, cold-chain logistics, and export-oriented industries.
Simultaneously, the integration of traditional products through the ODOP programme reflects a broader strategy of linking district-level manufacturing, handicrafts, textiles, and marine products with national and international markets.
As India continues to strengthen export-led growth, the combination of efficient port infrastructure, value-added local products, and targeted government support programmes is expected to play an increasingly important role in enhancing regional economic development while improving the global competitiveness of Indian products.
Source: Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 311 (21 July 2026), and accompanying press release.
