India’s growing focus on value-added seafood exports received a major boost as the grand finale of the second edition of the National Skill Olympiad on Seafood Value Addition concluded at Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 in Kochi on Wednesday. Organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the competition celebrated the technical skills, innovation and craftsmanship of seafood processing professionals while highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening its seafood export ecosystem.
The Olympiad brought together ten finalists from across India, each demonstrating advanced processing techniques and culinary expertise in preparing export-oriented seafood products. After a highly competitive final round, P. Surya Bhaskar of Devi Fisheries Ltd., Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, emerged as the champion of the national competition.
Muthu Kumaran of Theva & Co., Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, secured the second position. Ms Sagarika Sardar of SS Seafoods Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, West Bengal, and Ms Barasarani Jena of Sabri Food Products Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, Odisha, finished third and fourth, respectively.
The winners were recognised with cash prizes and medals. The first-place winner received Rs 1 lakh, while the second and third prize winners were awarded Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively. The fourth-position holder received a consolation prize of Rs 25,000, along with a certificate of appreciation.
Strengthening Skills for Export Growth
The National Skill Olympiad is part of MPEDA’s broader initiative to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the quality standards and evolving demands of international seafood markets.
Ahead of the national finale, MPEDA organised 50 Seafood Value Addition Training Programmes across India’s eastern and western coastal regions. These programmes trained more than 2,500 seafood processing workers and professionals, equipping them with practical knowledge in preparing a range of value-added seafood products that enjoy strong demand in overseas markets.
The regional qualifying rounds were conducted in Mumbai for the West Coast Zone and Visakhapatnam for the East Coast Zone. The ten finalists who competed in Kochi earned their places through these regional contests held on June 30.
Challenging Tasks Tested Professional Expertise
During the grand finale, participants were required to prepare six internationally popular value-added seafood products within a competitive setting. These included Nobashi Shrimp, Breaded Butterfly Shrimp, Cooked Peeled Deveined Tail-On (PDTO) Shrimp, Marinated Shrimp Skewers, Breaded Squid Rings, and Fish Fillets.
The competition assessed not only culinary presentation but also technical precision and adherence to global food processing standards. Contestants were evaluated on parameters such as technical skill, hygiene practices, accuracy, presentation and the overall quality of the finished products.
The jury comprised experts from leading research institutions and the seafood processing industry, including representatives from ICAR-CIFT, NIFPHATT and major seafood export companies. Their evaluation ensured that the competition reflected international benchmarks for seafood processing and quality assurance.
Platform for Industry Excellence
The awards were presented by MPEDA Chairman Shri P. Jawahar, Director Dr Ram Mohan M.K., Secretary Dr Gibin Kumar, Joint Director Shri Anilkumar, and Chief Guest Dr K. N. Raghavan, Chief Executive Officer of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).
Speaking at the event, MPEDA Chairman Shri P. Jawahar said the Skill Olympiad represents an important milestone in building a resilient and globally competitive seafood sector. He noted that India’s seafood industry must continuously upgrade its processing capabilities to meet the changing expectations of international buyers.
According to him, MPEDA has been making sustained efforts to enhance food safety, quality assurance, processing excellence, workforce development, sustainable seafood production and dependable supply chains. He added that the Olympiad serves as an effective platform for promoting innovation, professional excellence and skill development while strengthening India’s seafood export ecosystem.
Showcasing Export-Oriented Seafood Products
The event attracted senior officials from Central and State governments, seafood exporters, international buyers, industry representatives, technical experts and delegates attending Seafood Expo Bharat 2026.
A major attraction of the Olympiad was the Skill Olympiad Pavilion, where visitors witnessed live demonstrations of seafood value addition techniques. The award-winning products prepared by the finalists were displayed alongside export-oriented seafood items developed through MPEDA’s training programmes.
The pavilion also hosted tasting sessions, allowing industry stakeholders and visitors to experience the quality and diversity of India’s value-added seafood products firsthand.
By combining skill development with industry participation and export promotion, the National Skill Olympiad has emerged as an important initiative to strengthen India’s seafood processing sector. As global demand for premium, ready-to-cook and value-added seafood products continues to grow, initiatives such as these are expected to play a significant role in enhancing India’s competitiveness in international seafood markets while creating new opportunities for skilled professionals across the country’s coastal regions.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
