The Ministry of Fisheries has introduced new guidelines to promote the import of premium seaweed seed material, addressing raw material shortages and fostering a sustainable seaweed sector. With plans to integrate the industry under priority sector lending and insurance schemes, the initiative aims to boost livelihoods, increase production, and support innovation through initiatives like the Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu.
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The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has introduced new Guidelines for the Import of Live Seaweeds to expand India’s seaweed sector and foster economic growth in coastal communities. Announced on October 21, 2024, these guidelines aim to empower fisher communities by enhancing their livelihoods while ensuring environmental protection and biosecurity standards.
India’s seaweed industry, valued at approximately US$ 600 million, employs over 200,000 people and comprises 46 seaweed-based industries—21 focused on agar production and 25 on alginate. However, these sectors face challenges due to a shortage of raw materials. The new guidelines enable the import of high-quality seed material, including the commercially valuable Kappaphycus species, which is expected to enhance the sector’s sustainability and global competitiveness.
India aims to boost seaweed production to over 1 million tonnes annually by 2025, supported by investments amounting to approximately US$ 86.8 million. This investment is part of the Blue Revolution initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which was launched in May 2020 to drive sustainable development in the fisheries sector and promote responsible practices. The allocated funds will be used to establish seaweed seed banks, nurseries, tissue culture labs, processing facilities, marketing infrastructure, and business development initiatives, along with skill training programs.
In August 2024, Niti Aayog recommended extending existing agricultural schemes, such as PM-Kisan and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), to benefit seaweed farmers by including them in priority sector lending. The Aayog also proposed an insurance package covering crop insurance, life insurance for farmers, and infrastructure support to promote seaweed farming and processing.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to increase seaweed production to over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. A key initiative under this scheme is the establishment of the Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, with funding of Rs 127.7 crore allocated to encourage sustainable cultivation and drive innovation within the industry. The Department of Fisheries actively promotes seaweed cultivation through financial support, offering assistance for culture rafts and monolines or tubenets, with unit costs of Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000, respectively.
During FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22, projects worth Rs. 6,258.085 lakh, including a central government contribution of Rs. 2,089.175 lakh, were approved across various states, Union Territories, and research institutions. These investments are expected to generate employment opportunities, increase wages, and attract private investors. Furthermore, the government is encouraging large-scale investment by allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) through automatic routes in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
According to the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), India has the capacity to produce approximately 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed annually; however, current production levels are only about 34,000 tonnes.
To ensure environmental safety, the guidelines mandate rigorous biosecurity protocols, including quarantine measures and risk assessments, to prevent pest outbreaks. Additionally, the introduction of diverse seaweed strains—comprising red, brown, and green algae—will enhance production capabilities and create opportunities for value-added processing. This development is anticipated to generate new income streams for coastal communities, positioning India favorably in the global seaweed market.
Importers are required to submit applications to the Department of Fisheries, with the National Committee on Exotic Aquatic Species responsible for reviewing these applications and granting permits within four weeks. The Ministry encourages researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers to seize these opportunities, aiming to promote both economic growth and environmental sustainability in India’s expanding seaweed sector.
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