Development of Seaweed in Coastal Areas
Indian coastal waters, stretching over 11,099 kilometers, are poised for significant advancements in seaweed cultivation, a sector identified as having immense potential for growth. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI), has pinpointed 384 sites across 24,707 hectares along the coastline as suitable for this purpose. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), seaweed cultivation has been prioritized to enhance employment opportunities and provide additional income sources for fishermen and coastal communities. With a budget of ₹195 crore approved for various projects, including a Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, the initiative aims to boost production and establish a robust framework for sustainable seaweed farming.
Government Initiatives and Funding
The DoF, GoI has made substantial investments in the seaweed sector over the past five years, approving fisheries development projects worth ₹897.54 crore specifically for the State of Gujarat. This funding includes the installation of Monoline/Tubenets for seaweed cultivation, as requested by the state authorities. Collaborative efforts are underway in the Kutch District, where the DoF is working alongside local fishermen, the State Fisheries Department, and research institutions such as the CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) and the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Notably, three projects have been approved to study the feasibility of seaweed cultivation in the Kori Creek area, with funding allocated for awareness and training programs aimed at local communities.
A training program held on June 5, 2023, in Lakki Village attracted participation from 250 villagers across ten nearby communities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance local knowledge and skills in seaweed farming. Additionally, a National Conference on Seaweed was organized on January 27, 2024, in Kori Creek, bringing together nearly 450 participants, including farmers, scientists, and government representatives, to discuss advancements and challenges in the sector.
Establishment of Centers of Excellence
In a bid to further promote seaweed cultivation, the Government of Gujarat has established a scheme dedicated to this sector since 2018. As part of this initiative, a seaweed bank and processing unit have been approved for the fiscal year 2025-26 to strengthen market linkages within the state. The state government is also collaborating with ICAR-CMFRI to develop a GIS-Driven Spatial Zonation and Sea-Space Governance Framework aimed at sustainable mariculture development, particularly focusing on seaweed-based activities under the Viksit Gujarat Fund.
Moreover, Kamdhenu University in Gandhinagar has been designated as a “Center of Excellence in Seaweed Research and Utilization,” reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in this field. These centers are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of seaweed farming practices, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the sector.
Impact on Seaweed Production
The initiatives undertaken by the DoF, GoI and the Government of Gujarat have led to a remarkable increase in seaweed production in India. From a mere 18,890 tonnes in 2015, production surged to 74,083 tonnes by 2024, showcasing the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Seaweed Development has facilitated coordinated efforts to enhance this vital sector.
Furthermore, guidelines for importing seaweed germplasm have been issued, paving the way for improved genetic resources and cultivation techniques. The NITI Aayog has also contributed by releasing a Seaweed Policy Report aimed at fostering the sector’s development. These collective efforts underscore the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of seaweed cultivation as a sustainable source of income and employment for coastal communities across India.
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