In a strategic move to bolster India’s position in the global seafood market, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has launched an interstate Skill Olympiad focused on value-added seafood products. The initiative aims to motivate, recognize, and upgrade the skills of professionals in the seafood processing sector, ultimately boosting the country’s export earnings.
While India’s seafood exports reached an impressive $7.38 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, value-added products accounted for only 12% of this total. This figure lags significantly behind major competitors like Thailand, China, and Vietnam, where value-added items constitute a much larger share of exports. MPEDA is actively working to close this gap through targeted training programs and infrastructure development schemes.
The Skill Olympiad serves as a platform to showcase and celebrate talent in this crucial sub-sector. Preliminary rounds are being held in Kochi for the West Coast Zone and Visakhapatnam for the East Coast Zone. Twenty participants in each round will compete by preparing ten popular value-added seafood items—such as Nobashi shrimp, breaded squid rings, and fish fingers—within a three-hour time limit. They will be judged on product quality, hygiene, innovation, and execution.
Winners from the preliminary rounds will advance to the finals, which are scheduled to take place during the Seafood Expo Bharat 2025 in Chennai from July 1-3. The competition will culminate in cash prizes for the top three winners and a tasting session where stakeholders, including exporters and government officials, can sample the expertly prepared products.
This Olympiad aligns with the Indian government’s broader vision to develop a highly skilled workforce, create a network of certified trainers, and increase employment opportunities, particularly for women in coastal communities. By fostering talent and promoting innovation, MPEDA is taking a significant step toward transforming India into a global hub for value-added seafood exports.