To implement seaweed cultivation on PAN Indiabasis andemphasis promotion of seaweed cultivation, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala chaired the National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivationon 27^th Jan 2024 at Koteshwar (Kori Creek), Kutch, Gujarat. Shri Vinod Chavda, Member of Parliament, Kutch, Shri P.M Jadeja, MLA, Abdesa, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, DoF, Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, DoF, Dr J.K Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR, Shri Abhishek Pathak, IG, BSF, Dr L.N Murthy, CE,NFDB , Shri Nitin Sangwan, Director (Fy) Government  of Gujrat and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Shri Parshottam Rupala addressed the participants, fishermen and fisherwomen and emphasized on importance of the seaweed cultivation. He also encouraged fisherman and fisherwomen for adopting seaweed cultivation considering wide product opportunities. Shri Rupala also mentioned that it’s a first national conference on seaweed cultivation which is an alternate for employment generation of seaweed products as it diversifies marine production and its opportunities for enhancing fish farmer income, reduces reliance on traditional fishing, and diversifies coastal communities’ livelihoods.

Shri Rupala also informed that pilot project of Kori Creek can be a game changer for seaweed cultivation. He called upon all the stakeholders to come forward with their suggestions and inputs for making seaweed cultivation successful.

Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted the challenges and opportunities of seaweed cultivation.  He emphasized on need to assess challenges and find out solutions in the seaweed value chain. He further added that Govt aims on innovations in seaweed production, deliberate on policy frameworks, regulations, facilitate networking opportunities and foster relationships. He also informed that end-to-end mapping of the seaweed value chain and addressing the bottlenecks in the value chain is need of the hour and our department is committed for it.

Union Minister along with other dignitaries visited various stalls of the exhibition installed by fisheries start-ups namely Climacrew (Gujarat) and Pukai Aquagri (Andhra Pradesh), research institutes namely ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), CSIR - Central Salt Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) and ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and NFDB (GoI). The stalls showcased the seaweed value added products and cultivation processes and material used. Union Minister interacted with entrepreneurs and scientists who have participated during his visit to the exhibition.

 

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala on 27.01.2024 visited Kori Creek Project Site with High Speed Boat of BSF and observed divergent methods of sea weed cultivation viz. Monoline, tube-net and rafts demonstrated by CMFRI, CSMCRI and NFDB Pilot projects at Kori Creek, Kutch Dist of Gujarat during the National Conference on Seaweed Development. Minister witnesses cutting-edge seaweed farming: Raft Culture & Tube Net pilots paving the way for ocean-powered food with ICAR-CMFRI, CSMCRI & The TSC-Purple Turtle. The dignitaries interacted with the representatives from the research institutes and private entrepreneurs discussed the progress, challenges and way forward.

On-field experiences and insights were given by scientists from Dr Divu, Sr Scientist, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Kochi, Dr Mangal Singh Rathore, Sr Prof. CSIR-Central Salt Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) Bhavnagar and Shri Hari S Thivakarentrepreneur from The Seaweed Company, Lakshadweep.

Smt Neetu Prasad thanked Union Minister and other dignitaries for their guidance and support in all endeavors andhighlighted the achievements/ progress made in the seaweed sector.

Union minister Shri Parshottam Rupala also distributed sanction orders of various projects of PMMSY to beneficiaries which includes new Fin Fish hatchery, new pond etc.. In addition, Ghed fish & farms producer company Ltd, was given financial assistance for establishment of seaweed culture with monoline/tubenet method including input.

The occasion witnessed the participants that includesfish farmers, fishers, fisheries cooperatives, and States/UTs Government officialsinvolved in fisheries management, scientists, and researchers from various fisheries universities, & colleges etc. Approx. 300 beneficiaries participated during the conference. It gave an opportunity to all participants to learn about the best practices and exchange ideas with the seaweed experts. The conference envisions a comprehensive approach to fortify and expand the reach of seaweed cultivation in fisheries sector for the benefit of the entire community.

 

With the culmination of varied stakeholders, the conference serves as an appropriate opportunity for identifying, fostering collaboration and partnerships amongst entrepreneurs, processers, farmers to embrace the seaweed cultivation through impactful experiences and success stories within fisheries community by enhancing awareness.

India’s fisheries sector is on a trajectory of progress through multidimensional interventions meticulously rolled out under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and entails provisions for financial assistance for various fisheries’ activities including seaweed cultivation. Seaweed is globally seen as an important source of nutrients and as a carbon sequester hence its growth and uses are important for mitigating environment degradation, balancing marine ecosystem and fulfilling nutritional requirements for the human population. The economic importance of seaweed in India stems from its contributions to agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aquaculture, and the potential for biofuel production. It generates employment, supports the blue economy, and offers export opportunities.

With its environmental and health benefits, development of the seaweed sector is one of the focal areas for the Department of Fisheries' flagship scheme, PMMSY and initiatives have been launched to grow this embryonic sector. The economic importance of seaweed in India stems from its contributions to agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aquaculture, and the potential for biofuel production. It generates employment, supports the blue economy, and offers export opportunities.

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