MPEDA trains 5,000 in value-added seafood products; regional olympiad held at Pamarru

On June 18, 2026, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) organized a regional-level competition focused on creating value-added seafood products at Pamarru in Krishna district. The event was hosted at Sandhya Aqua Exports and brought together participants who had previously competed in state-level olympiads conducted in four Indian states—Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. These competitors showcased their skills in developing innovative seafood-based products, reflecting growing interest in enhancing the export potential of India's seafood industry.

Approximately 5,000 individuals, many of whom were women, had undergone training across the country in crafting value-added seafood items such as fish, shrimp, and squid-based products. These products are noted for their high demand in international markets. According to A. Jeyabal, MPEDA’s Joint Director (Export Promotion) based in Chennai, this initiative aims to improve the quality and variety of seafood exports while also providing employment opportunities, particularly for women in the sector.

The event saw participation from several officials and experts in the field. Among them was T. Suguna, an officer on special duty at AP Fisheries University, who emphasized the need to further enhance skills related to value-added seafood production. The competition concluded with prize distribution, led by representatives including Sandhya Aqua Exports' Assistant General Manager M. Aditya, MPEDA’s Junior Technical Officer Iyyappan, and officials from institutions such as the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), and NETFISH.

Five competitors emerged as the top performers in the competition. They included V. Prakash Naik from Andhra Pradesh, Barsarani Jena from Bhubaneswar, P. Surya Bhaskar from Andhra Pradesh, Muthu Kumaran from Tamil Nadu, and Sagarika Sardar from West Bengal. These individuals were recognized by Deputy Director (Fisheries) A. Usha Kiran during the event.

The winners of the competition are set to take part in the upcoming Seafood Expo Bharat, scheduled to occur from July 1 to 3 at the Chennai Trade Centre. This expo is anticipated to serve as a platform for showcasing new innovations in seafood processing and promoting trade opportunities within the global seafood market. B. Koteswar of NIFPHATT highlighted the significance of such events in connecting skilled professionals with potential buyers and investors.

The regional olympiad underscores a broader effort by MPEDA and associated organizations to elevate the standards of seafood processing in India. By focusing on value-added products, these initiatives aim to increase the competitiveness of Indian seafood in international markets. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including educational institutions and private enterprises, indicates a collaborative approach towards achieving sustainable growth in the seafood export sector. As the winners prepare for the national-level expo, their success could inspire more individuals to pursue careers in seafood processing and contribute to the economic development of coastal regions.