Paradip, Aug. 10 (UDN): Odisha’s seafood industry is making waves in international markets, with indigenous marine fish varieties from Paradip increasingly finding buyers across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
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While Odisha has long been known for its prawn exports, local varieties such as Borei, Paniakhia and Kantia are now emerging as sought-after seafood products in overseas markets.
Among them, Borei fish, particularly its oily variety, has witnessed strong demand abroad. According to government data, around 8.568 million kg of Borei, also known as croaker fish, was exported from Paradip over the past eight years, highlighting the growing importance of the fish in the international seafood trade.
Local Fish, International Market
Fishermen and seafood exporters in Paradip say the demand for locally caught fish has expanded significantly in recent years.
Kambal P, a fisherman from Paradip, said several varieties of fish caught along the Odisha coast are now being shipped to foreign markets.
“Different varieties of fish are being exported to other countries. People here also consume these fish, while the growing overseas demand has opened up new opportunities for the local fishing community,” he said.
Seafood exporter Duryodhan Ray said Borei is exported in three varieties, with China and several Middle Eastern countries among the major destinations.
“Borei has a good market overseas. Apart from Borei, there is also strong demand for cuttlefish, jellyfish, ribbon fish and octopus,” he said.
Paradip Emerges as Key Seafood Hub
The Paradip Fish Harbour has steadily strengthened its position as one of India’s important fishing and seafood-export centres.
Over the last eight years, besides Borei, the harbour has handled exports of large quantities of ribbon fish, sole fish, Paniakhia and Kantia.
The seafood export basket from Paradip is also highly diverse. Marine products from around 81 species, including prawns, crabs, octopus, lobster and squid, have reached international markets.
Traditional Value Adds to Demand
Borei is valued not only as a food fish but also for its traditional uses. Its scales are reportedly used in the preparation of certain traditional soups, adding another dimension to its commercial value.
The growing international demand for Odisha’s indigenous marine fish could provide a significant boost to the state’s fishing communities, seafood processors and exporters.
With Paradip strengthening its role as a gateway for marine products, Odisha’s traditional coastal catch is increasingly finding a place on dining tables far beyond the state—and even beyond India.
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