Seafood Of India

Blog Post

Andhra Pradesh CM Urges Centre to Tackle Crippling US Tariffs on Seafood Exports

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for urgent intervention from the Union government to address the severe impact of high US tariffs on the state’s vital seafood industry. In a meeting with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Naidu highlighted that a 27 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Indian seafood is threatening the livelihoods of lakhs of aquaculture farmers in the state. Aquaculture is a cornerstone of Andhra Pradesh’s economy, providing employment to approximately eight lakh farmers and playing a significant role in India’s total seafood exports. Naidu stressed that the steep US tariffs are critically undermining the sector’s profitability and competitiveness in the global market. The Chief Minister urged Goyal to initiate a high-level dialogue with US authorities to negotiate a reduction in these tariffs. He emphasized that such diplomatic efforts are crucial to safeguarding Andhra Pradesh’s prominent position in the international seafood market and providing essential relief to the state’s farming community. While the discussion also covered other agricultural challenges like falling tobacco prices and duties on palm oil, the plea to address the seafood export crisis underscores the sector’s immense importance to the state’s economic stability.

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Dam Good Fish Hooks Modern Consumers with Fresh Brand Identity

Seafood brand Dam Good Fish has unveiled a strategic rebranding to strengthen its appeal to health-conscious Indian consumers. The updated identity, featuring a new logo and refined narrative, reinforces the company’s core mission: providing wild-caught, chemical-free seafood that is “good for you, good for the planet.” The rebranding is a significant step for the company, which aims to set a new standard for premium, clean, and responsibly sourced seafood in the Indian market. Central to its promise is a commitment to sustainable practices, which means no antibiotics, growth hormones, or artificial feeds, all supported by a verified cold-chain supply system to ensure freshness. More than just a cosmetic update, the new logo is a visual storytelling of the brand’s values: “This rebranding is more than just a new look — it’s an evolution of our purpose,” stated Shailesh Patel, Co-Founder of Dam Good Fish. “We’re making conscious seafood consumption a mainstream choice by making it easy, exciting, and accessible.” Founded by Shobhit Gaur and Shailesh Patel, Dam Good Fish is redefining the seafood experience for Indian households. By integrating traditional wild-caught fishing wisdom with modern transparency and innovation, the brand delivers clean, dam-sourced freshwater fish directly to consumers, championing a sustainable and impactful approach.

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Illegal Shrimp Farms Pose Dual Threat to Surat: Airport Safety and Flood Risks Mount

A persistent network of illegal shrimp farms surrounding Surat International Airport is creating a dual threat of aviation hazards and urban flooding, prompting the city’s mayor to demand urgent action from district authorities. The farms, concentrated in areas like Bhimpore, Abhva, and Khajod, attract large numbers of birds, leading to repeated and dangerous bird-strike incidents for aircraft. Beyond the flight path, these operations are exacerbating flood risks by obstructing natural rivulets on the Mindhola river estuary’s floodplain, which are essential for draining rainwater from the city. The issue is caught in an administrative deadlock. City Mayor Daxesh Mavani has formally urged the district collector to intervene, as the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) cannot act unilaterally on what is primarily government land. “The ponds must be removed to prevent urban flooding and reduce the bird hit threat,” said Mayor Mavani, confirming the SMC’s readiness to provide logistical support, including heavy machinery, once officially requested by the collector’s office. Officials from the district collectorate acknowledge the problem, stating that they conduct periodic raids on farms operating illegally and violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. However, these enforcement actions have proven to be temporary solutions. “Our teams regularly monitor shrimp farms… and take periodic action,” an official stated, noting that operators often resume their activities within days of a raid. The construction of these ponds has severely disrupted the region’s natural hydrology. Rainwater that once spread freely across the open floodplains now backs up due to the blockages, inundating low-lying urban areas during the monsoon season. Despite past efforts to seize equipment and drain the illegal ponds, the continued operation of these farms leaves both air passengers and city residents at unresolved risk.

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India’s Biokraft Foods Unveils Cultivated Trout, Targeting 2026 Commercial Rollout

Indian food-tech startup Biokraft Foods is pioneering a new frontier in sustainable protein, unveiling the country’s first cultivated trout fillets. Developed in a landmark partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), the company is targeting a full commercial launch for its cultivated seafood and meat products by 2026. This development marks a significant breakthrough for India’s alternative protein sector. Following the debut of its 3D-printed cultivated chicken in late 2024, Biokraft is now applying its proprietary 3D bioprinting technology to the aquatic space. By developing native trout cell lines, the company can produce whole-cut fillets that it says are structurally and nutritionally identical to their conventionally-sourced counterparts. “Our cultivated trout… has the added benefit of year-round production that is not reliant on animal farming, wild catch, or delicate ecosystems,” said Kamalnayan Tibrewal, Founder and CEO of Biokraft Foods. He emphasized that this method eliminates concerns about antibiotic contamination and microplastic pollution. A key part of Biokraft’s strategy is market accessibility. The company has set an ambitious goal to price its cultivated trout below conventional options, a move aimed at disrupting the premium seafood market. Trout was strategically chosen due to its high market value and seasonal availability in India, which is often limited by geography and climate. The collaboration with a premier government research body like ICAR-CICFR lends significant credibility to the venture. Dr. Amit Pande, a principal scientist at the institute, called the partnership an example of how academia and industry can jointly advance alternative protein sources. “This initiative not only aligns with our vision of conserving aquatic biodiversity but also opens up new avenues for cell-based aquaculture research in India,” said Dr. Pande. While public tastings for the trout are still in the validation stage, the company is moving forward with regulatory approvals for its cultivated chicken, expecting a positive outcome in the coming months. Tibrewal is optimistic about consumer acceptance, citing an internal survey in India’s Tier 1 cities where 60% of respondents were open to trying cultivated meat. However, he acknowledged the need for greater consumer education to build trust and awareness. Looking ahead, Biokraft plans to open a dedicated R&D and pilot facility by the end of 2025. The company also has its sights set on international expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and intends to explore cultivated versions of other high-value or endangered fish species in the future.

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