The Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) is set for the commercial launch of ‘Seafood at Doorsteps’, a dedicated e-commerce platform designed to deliver fresh, hygienically processed and ready-to-cook seafood directly to consumers, while creating market opportunities for Karnataka’s fishing communities.
The digital initiative is aimed at establishing a direct market link between fish producers and consumers, said a release. By reducing dependence on intermediaries and leveraging digital commerce, the platform is expected to improve income for fishermen, fish farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and Fish Farmer Producer Companies (FFPCs), added the release.
According to Dinesh Kumar, director of the Fisheries Department, the initiative represents an important milestone in Karnataka’s fisheries sector.
The e-commerce platform has been developed on the Shopify platform and will be accessible through both mobile and desktop browsers without requiring users to download a separate application. The platform will offer two fulfilment options. Customers may either collect their orders from designated outlets free of charge or opt for home delivery at a nominal flat fee of ₹49 within a five-kilometre delivery radius, said the release.
The KFDC has completed the pilot phase of the project, during which the digital platform, operational workflows, and logistics systems were tested. Following the success of the pilot, 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 Android and iOS mobile applications, expand its delivery network to additional locations, and partner with professional logistics providers to enable faster and same-day deliveries.
Earlier in 2021, the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) had launched a service to provide almost fresh seawater fish through 60 of its outlets across the State.
KFDC launched the service with eight refrigerated and insulated (reefer) vans, which were procured with funding under National Agriculture Development Mission. The fish was transported to Bengaluru, Mysuru, and districts in north Karnataka.
This year, the 61-day annual marine fishing ban came into effect in Karnataka’s coastal districts on June 1. The ban will be in force till July 31. Accordingly, mechanised boats and traditional boats fitted with inboard or outboard engines above 10 HP are banned from fishing activities. However, fishing boats fitted with engines of up to 10 HP will be allowed to operate during the period.
The main objective of banning deep-sea fishing is to protect fish wealth, as commercially important species breed during this period. It is also used to prevent juvenile fishing, and excessive fishing.
Although there is a demand from the fisheries sector to extend the two-month ban during the fish breeding season to three months (till August) uniformly along the West Coast, States have not yet arrived at a consensus on the same. Extending the ban for one more month will help in boosting fish production.
Over 10 lakh persons in Karnataka are believed to depend on fisheries for their livelihood. Karnataka produced 9.63 lakh tonnes of fish in 2024–25, ranking third in total fish production nationwide.
Published - June 30, 2026 09:36 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
