Seaweed Resources in India
India's extensive coastline of over 7,516 kilometers harbors abundant resources of high-value seaweeds, which are increasingly in demand both domestically and internationally. Despite this, only a small fraction is currently utilized. The government and several coastal states, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, are promoting seaweed farming to enhance production and provide economic opportunities for fishing communities.
Importance of Seaweeds
- Seaweeds are valuable aquatic organisms that are part of the coastal ecosystem.
- They are nutrient-rich and used in human diets, animal feeds, and as bio-fertilizers.
- Seaweeds contain therapeutic properties, used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Derivatives such as agar, agarose, and carrageenan are used in processed foods, toothpaste, and skincare products.
Current Seaweed Utilization and Goals
- India's seaweed availability is estimated at 9.7 million tonnes annually, but only 34,000-35,000 tonnes are exploited.
- The government aims to increase seaweed production to one million tonnes by 2025 through natural harvesting and cultivation.
- Challenges include reliance on a single species, Kappaphycus alvarezii, which is susceptible to diseases.
- Diversification efforts include introducing new seaweed strains.
Government Initiatives
- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) supports seaweed farming through nurseries, seed banks, and skill development.
- Financial assistance is available for seaweed entrepreneurs.
- The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is designated as the nodal agency for seaweed promotion.
- The Mandapan Regional Centre of CMFRI is tasked with improving farming practices and ensuring seed supply.
Seaweed Species and Industry
- India records 844 species of seaweed: 434 of red algae, 194 of brown algae, and 216 of green algae.
- Major seaweed stocks are located along Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- The seaweed-based industry is underdeveloped, with around 50 operational units primarily for agar and alginate production.
- Raw material shortages limit industry capacity.
Regional Developments
- Tamil Nadu has plans to become a seaweed industrial hub, offering investor-friendly facilities.
- Lakshadweep has designated nine islands as seaweed cultivation centers with CMFRI support.
These initiatives aim to boost seaweed production and commercialization, but further efforts are needed to fully exploit India's seaweed potential.