‘Seafood at Doorsteps’ service to be launched in Karnataka

The digital initiative is aimed at creating a direct market connection between fish producers and consumers. | Photo credit: File photo

Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) is all set to commercially launch ‘Seafood at Doorsteps’, a dedicated e-commerce platform designed to deliver fresh, hygienically processed and prepared seafood directly to consumers while creating market opportunities for Karnataka’s fishing communities.

The digital initiative is aimed at creating a direct market link between fish producers and consumers, the report said. By reducing dependency on middlemen and leveraging digital commerce, the platform is expected to improve incomes for fishermen, fish farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Fish Farmer Producer Companies (FFPCs).

According to Dinesh Kumar, Director, Fisheries Department, this initiative marks an important milestone in Karnataka’s fisheries sector.

The e-commerce platform was developed on the Shopify platform and will be accessible through both mobile and desktop browsers without requiring users to download a separate app. The platform will offer two fulfillment options. Customers can either collect their orders from designated outlets for free or opt for home delivery for a nominal flat fee of ₹49 within a radius of five kilometers, the report said.

KFDC completed the pilot phase of the project during which the digital platform, operational workflow and logistics systems were tested. Following the success of the pilot project, KFDC is now making final preparations for the commercial launch of the platform.

According to the release, in the next phase, KFDC plans to introduce dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS, expand its delivery network to more locations and partner with professional logistics providers for faster and same-day delivery.

Earlier in 2021, the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) launched a service that provides near-fresh marine fish through its 60 outlets across the state.

KFDC launched the service with eight refrigerated and insulated (refrigerated) vans procured with funding under the National Agricultural Development Mission. The fish was taken to Bengaluru, Mysuru and districts in North Karnataka.

Annual fishing ban

On June 1 this year, a 61-day annual ban on sea fishing came into effect in the coastal areas of Karnataka. The ban will be in effect until July 31. Accordingly, mechanized boats and traditional boats equipped with inboard or outboard engines above 10 HP are prohibited from fishing activities. However, fishing boats equipped with engines up to 10 HP will be allowed to operate during this period.

The main objective of the deep-sea fishing ban is to protect the fish wealth, as commercially important species breed during this period. It is also used to prevent juvenile fishing and overfishing.

Although there is a demand from the fishing industry to extend the two-month ban during the spawning season to three months (till August) uniformly along the west coast, states have yet to agree on the same. Extending the ban for another month will help increase fish production.

It is estimated that more than 10 thousand people in Karnataka depend on fishing. Karnataka produced 9.63 lakh tonnes of fish in 2024–25, ranking third in total fish production nationally.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 21:36 IST