India’s Seaweed Production Reaches 72,385 Tonnes in 2023
28 March 2025, New Delhi: India is emerging as a key player in seaweed cultivation, with total production reaching 72,385 tonnes (wet weight) in 2023, according to the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). The country primarily cultivates Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis, which are widely used for producing carrageenan and agar. Seaweed also plays a significant role in food, biofertilizers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and biofuels. This information was shared by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, in the Lok Sabha.
Government Support and Investments
The Government of India has been actively promoting seaweed cultivation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme launched in June 2020 with a total investment of Rs. 20,050 crore for the fisheries sector. Seaweed farming has been identified as a priority activity under this initiative.
Under the PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, has approved seaweed projects worth Rs. 194.09 crore, with a central share of Rs. 98.97 crore. These projects include financial support for installing rafts, monolines, and tubenets, the establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, pre-feasibility assessment studies, and awareness and training programs in multiple states and union territories.
The Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed development, while the Lakshadweep Islands have been recognized as a Seaweed Cluster to boost production and research.
Establishment of Seaweed Seedbanks and Import Guidelines
To ensure a steady supply of high-quality seaweed strains, the Department of Fisheries has approved projects for setting up Seaweed Seedbanks in Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep. Furthermore, on October 21, 2024, the department issued Guidelines for the Import of Live Seaweeds into India, allowing the import of superior seed strains to enhance domestic production.
The government’s continued investment and policy support indicate a promising future for India’s seaweed industry, with potential benefits across multiple sectors.
Also Read: Haryana Government Introduces Strict Penalties for Sale of Substandard Seeds
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