Special Service and Features
Union Minister Shri George Kurian calls for scaling up seaweed production in India
Minister encouraged the students to explore startup options in seaweeds
Posted On:
05 MAR 2026 3:08PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
Kochi, 5 March 2026
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian today emphasised the need to significantly increase seaweed production in India, noting that the country currently contributes only about one per cent of global seaweed production. He was speaking at S.E.A.W.E.E.D.S. 2026 – International Symposium on Seaweeds: Value Chains, Climate Solutions, and Blue Economy Pathways, organised by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in Kochi.
Highlighting the growing potential of the sector, Shri Kurian said that India’s seaweed production has increased from about 18,000 tonnes in 2015 to nearly 74,000 tonnes in 2024. He noted that the NITI Aayog’s Seaweed Policy demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening the seaweed ecosystem and promoting sustainable development in the sector.
The Minister said that seaweeds hold immense potential across multiple industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture and food processing. Encouraging students and young researchers to explore startup opportunities in this relatively underexplored field, he urged academic institutions to actively support innovation and entrepreneurship in the seaweed sector. He assured that the Government of India would extend all possible support to initiatives that help unlock the potential of seaweed-based industries.
Shri Kurian also mentioned that a Seaweed Park has been setup in Tamil Nadu. He added that initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are supporting seaweed cultivation and value chain development across the country.
Referring to the broader maritime economic potential, the Minister noted that India’s blue economy is growing at around nine per cent annually. He further pointed out that Asia accounts for about 97 per cent of global seaweed production, with China, Indonesia and South Korea emerging as leading producers.
Shri Kurian appreciated KUFOS for organising the international symposium and bringing together experts, policymakers, industry stakeholders and researchers to deliberate on the future of the seaweed sector.
Shri K. Babu, MLA, Thrippunithura; Shri Abdul Nasar IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala; Shri Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD; Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB; Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT; Dr. R. S. Maheshkumar, Director, CMLRE; Dr. Shine Kumar C. S., Director, NIFPHATT; Prof. (Dr.) K. Dinesh, Registrar, KUFOS and several other dignitaries were present during the inaugural session
About SEAWEEDS 2026
S.E.A.W.E.E.D.S. 2026 – International Symposium on Seaweeds: Value Chains, Climate Solutions, and Blue Economy Pathways, is being organised by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in Kochi from 5 March 2026 to 7th March 2026. The landmark event aims to bring together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and researchers from across the globe to foster collaboration, share knowledge and accelerate the sustainable development of the seaweed sector.
The symposium has attracted over 500 participants from 13 countries, reflecting the growing global interest in seaweed resources and their diverse applications.
The symposium will feature plenary sessions, technical sessions, an international expo, farmers’ meet and business meet, providing a platform to explore innovations, policy frameworks and commercial opportunities in the seaweed value chain.
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(Release ID: 2235533)
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