India has significant potential for seaweed cultivation. As reported by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) total seaweed production in the country was 72,385 tonnes (wet weight) in 2023. The main cultivated species are Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis, which are widely used for carrageenan and agar production. Seaweed is also utilized in food, biofertilizers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and biofuels.

In June’ 2020, the Government of India launched a flagship scheme namely, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with total investment of Rs. 20,050 crore towards promoting the fisheries sector in the country. Promotion of seaweed cultivation is one of the priority activity under PMMSY. Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) has approved the seaweed projects worth ₹194.09 crore, with a central share of ₹98.97 crore including support provided to beneficiaries for installation of Rafts, Monolines/Tubenets, establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, Pre-feasibility Assessment Studies on seaweed farming, awareness and training programs in various States and Union Territories under the PMMSY. Besides, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed development and the Lakshadweep Islands has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster.

DoF, GoI has approved projects under the PMMSY for establishment of Seaweed Seedbanks in Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep.  DoF, GoI on 21^st October 2024 has also issued the Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India, allowing the import of high-quality seed strains.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.

*******

AA