The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) today welcomed its new chairman, Mr P. Jawahar, IAS (AGMUT Cadre, 2007 Batch).
MPEDA is the apex body under the Government of India responsible for the promotion and development of India’s marine products sector and seafood exports.
An officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Mr Jawahar brings with him extensive administrative experience spanning multiple sectors including industries, commerce, education, elections administration, sustainable development, and public governance.
Prior to taking charge as Chairman, MPEDA, he served as Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner/Secretary to the Government of Puducherry, handling key departments including Industries & Commerce, Education, and Elections.
Mr Jawahar also possesses a strong multidisciplinary academic background in agriculture, environmental science, and urban development, which is expected to bring valuable perspectives to the sustainable and responsible development of India’s seafood sector.
His expertise is anticipated to further strengthen initiatives related to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, infrastructure development, value addition, export competitiveness, innovation, and global market expansion for Indian seafood products.
Under his leadership, MPEDA looks forward to accelerating efforts towards enhancing India’s position in the global seafood trade while ensuring sustainability, quality assurance, traceability, and livelihood support for stakeholders across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
It might be noted that India’s seafood exports rose to a record 72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, with volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by MPEDA.
