The KFDC said it is preparing for the commercial launch of a dedicated e-commerce platform for delivering fresh, hygienically processed and ready-to-cook seafood directly to consumers.
Titled ‘seafood at doorsteps’, it aims to create better market opportunities for the state’s fishing communities by connecting producers directly with consumers.
The digital initiative aims to establish a direct market link between fish producers and consumers in response to the growing demand for value-added seafood products in domestic and international markets, KFDC said in a release. By reducing dependence on intermediaries and leveraging digital commerce, the platform is expected to improve the incomes of fishermen, fish farmers, Self-Help Groups, and Fish Farmer Producer Companies, it said.
Although India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, many small-scale producers continue to face challenges in processing, branding, value addition and market access. To bridge these gaps, KFDC has focused on strengthening community-based enterprises through skill development, hands-on training and access to modern fish-processing infrastructure, the release said. The corporation is encouraging the development of innovative value-added seafood products tailored to evolving consumer preferences.
“The initiative represents an important milestone for Karnataka’s fisheries sector. By connecting our fishing communities directly with consumers through digital technology, we are creating better economic opportunities for fish farmers while ensuring that citizens receive fresh, safe and high-quality seafood,” Fisheries Department Director Dinesh Kumar said. 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.
Customers will be able to browse an extensive catalogue of fresh and ready-to-cook seafood products, complete with detailed descriptions, photographs, weights and prices. To ensure a seamless customer experience, the platform will offer two fulfilment options. Customers can either collect their orders from designated outlets free of charge or opt for home delivery at a flat fee of Rs 49 within a five-kilometre delivery radius. A fully integrated online payment gateway will enable instant order confirmation and cashless transactions, it said.
Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation has completed the pilot phase of the project, during which the digital platform, operational workflows and logistics systems were tested under live conditions. The trial included staff training and system validation to ensure operational readiness before the commercial rollout. Following the successful pilot, KFDC is making final preparations for the commercial launch of the platform.
The corporation is also planning a comprehensive digital marketing and social media campaign to build consumer awareness and expand its customer base, it said. In the next phase, KFDC plans to introduce dedicated Android and iOS applications, expand its delivery network to additional locations, and partner with professional logistics providers to enable faster and same-day deliveries.
