In News:

With growing attention on sustainable marine resources and coastal livelihood enhancement, the Government of India is promoting seaweed cultivation as part of its broader Blue Economy strategy. Recognized for its nutritional, economic, and ecological value, seaweed farming is emerging as a viable livelihood and environmental solution for India's coastal communities.

What is Seaweed?

Seaweed is a nutrient-rich marine plant that grows in shallow ocean waters. It is:

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and 54 trace elements.
• Known to aid in managing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and hypertension.
• Used in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, medicines, and industrial gelling agents like agar, alginate, and carrageenan.

Global Significance and Industry Potential

• The global seaweed market is valued at US$ 5.6 billion and projected to reach US$ 11.8 billion by 2030 (World Bank).
• Major consumers: Japan, China, and South Korea.
• India possesses vast untapped potential with over 7,500 km of coastline and 844 identified seaweed species, of which ~60 are commercially viable.

Seaweed and the Blue Economy in India

Government Initiatives:

• Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) (launched in 2020):
  • Total Outlay: ?20,050 crore.
  • ?640 crore allocated for seaweed development (2020–25).
  • Goal: Increase seaweed production to 1.12 million tonnes in five years.
  • Projects funded:
    • Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu.
    • Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman & Diu.
    • Provision of 46,095 rafts and 65,330 monocline tubenets to farmers.

Supportive Regulatory Measures:

• Seaweed-based biostimulants regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.
• Integrated with Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and MOVCDNER to promote organic farming.

Economic, Environmental & Social Benefits

Economic:

• Seaweed farming offers high returns — e.g., farming Kappaphycusalvarezii may yield up to ?13.28 lakh/hectare/year.
• Generates foreign exchange through exports of seaweed-based bio-products.

Environmental:

• Requires no land, freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides.
• Absorbs CO?, combats ocean acidification, and enhances marine biodiversity.

Social:

• Provides alternative livelihoods for fishers.
• Particularly beneficial for women and youth, promoting inclusive growth in coastal regions.

Success Stories and Innovations

Women Empowerment in Tamil Nadu:

Four women from Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, trained under PMMSY, successfully cultivated seaweed, producing 36,000 tonnes despite cyclones and market challenges. Their venture created employment and inspired other women.

Tissue Culture Innovation:

The CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI)developed tissue-cultured Kappaphycusalvareziiseedlings, leading to:

• 20–30% higher growth rates.
• Better carrageenan quality.
• Enhanced farmer productivity in Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts.

Challenges and Way Forward

Challenges:

• Vulnerability to climatic shocks (cyclones, salinity changes).
• Limited market access and value chain infrastructure.
• Need for increased awareness and skill-building in coastal areas.

Recommendations:

• Strengthen public-private partnerships and R&D for better cultivars.
• Expand seaweed farming cooperatives with financial inclusion mechanisms.
• Promote Blue Economy integration in coastal development policies.