New ‘Seafood at Doorsteps’ platform will connect fishermen directly with consumers, offering fresh and ready-to-cook seafood through an integrated e-commerce marketplace.
The Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) is preparing to launch ‘Seafood at Doorsteps’, a dedicated e-commerce platform designed to deliver fresh, hygienically processed, and ready-to-cook seafood directly to consumers. The initiative aims to modernize seafood retail while creating better market opportunities for fishermen, fish farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Fish Farmer Producer Companies (FFPCs) by reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Developed on the Shopify platform, the web-based portal will be accessible through both desktop and mobile browsers without requiring users to download a separate application. Customers will be able to browse a comprehensive catalogue of seafood products featuring detailed descriptions, photographs, weights, and prices, making it easier to purchase high-quality seafood online.
To provide a seamless shopping experience, the platform will offer two fulfilment options. Consumers can either collect their orders from designated KFDC outlets free of charge or opt for doorstep delivery at a flat fee of ₹49 within a five-kilometre radius. An integrated online payment gateway will also enable secure cashless transactions and instant order confirmations.
According to the Fisheries Department, the initiative is intended to establish a direct digital marketplace linking seafood producers with consumers while responding to the growing demand for value-added seafood products. By strengthening direct market access, the platform is expected to improve income opportunities for fishing communities and encourage greater adoption of processed and ready-to-cook seafood products.
KFDC has already completed the pilot phase of the project, during which the digital platform, logistics network, and operational workflows were tested under live conditions. The trial included staff training and system validation to ensure the platform is fully prepared for commercial operations. The corporation is now making final preparations for the official rollout.
Looking ahead, KFDC plans to expand the initiative by launching dedicated Android and iOS applications, extending delivery services to additional locations, and collaborating with professional logistics providers to enable faster and same-day deliveries. The corporation also intends to undertake digital marketing campaigns to increase consumer awareness and broaden its customer base.
The launch aligns with the broader push to promote value-added seafood products in India, where policymakers are encouraging greater processing, branding, and digital market access to strengthen the fisheries sector. By leveraging e-commerce technology, the ‘Seafood at Doorsteps’ initiative is expected to support sustainable growth, improve market efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of Karnataka’s seafood industry.