Niti Aayog’s plan to boost India’s seaweed industry

Image Credit: Global Seafood Alliance

The Niti Aayog has proposed expanding the PM-Kisan and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to include seaweed farmers and add the sector to priority sector lending. As part of its plan to boost seaweed cultivation in India, the Aayog recommends setting up an insurance scheme covering crop insurance, farmer life insurance, and capital infrastructure for seaweed farming and processing. According to the Aayog, “To mitigate the risks posed by weather events such as excess rains, cyclones, high tides, etc., risk cover is essential for seaweed farming,” as noted in a report submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.

Additionally, the Aayog suggests revising business rules to include seaweed cultivation and its value chain under the Ministry of Fisheries. It also proposes forming a national steering committee to explore the potential of seaweed farming and establishing a technical panel to oversee the import of seaweed seeds and planting materials to enhance commercial production.

Seaweeds, tiny algae found on rocky coastlines and in shallow marine waters, are celebrated as the “wonder plants of the sea.” They offer a renewable source of food, energy, chemicals, and medicines with a range of industrial, agricultural, biomedicine, and personal care applications. Known as the “Medical Food of the 21st Century,” seaweeds are used in products like laxatives and medicinal capsules, and for treating conditions such as goiter, cancer, bone replacement, and cardiovascular issues. Industrially, they provide agar, agarose, and carrageenan, used in labs, medicines, cosmetics, cardboard, paper, paint, and processed foods. Despite 46 seaweed-based industries in India—21 focused on agar and 25 on alginate—these sectors struggle due to a lack of raw materials.

Seaweed farming has gained popularity recently due to increasing demand for polysaccharides like agar, alginate, ulvan, and carrageenan, which have potential health benefits. Under the ‘Blue Revolution’ scheme, the Department of Fisheries has been promoting seaweed cultivation in India since 2015–16. This initiative has encouraged several Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and coastal Fishermen Associations to adopt seaweed farming, demonstrating its potential to boost livelihoods and empower coastal women. Various species of red, brown, and green seaweeds are cultivated for both domestic and industrial use, offering a profitable opportunity with simple, low-cost, and low-maintenance technology and a short growth cycle.

Traditionally, seaweed seed stock is harvested from the sea bed in shallow waters off Tamil Nadu’s southeastern coast. India’s marine environment is well-suited for seaweed farming, with coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala exploring its potential. The seaweed industry in India is estimated to be worth around $600 million and provides employment to over 200,000 people.

In November 2021, marine conservationist Gabriella D’Cruz launched Goa’s first pilot seaweed farming project. Partnering with EcoNiche Consultancies, D’Cruz set up the farm on the Goa-Karnataka border, chosen for its natural seaweed beds and local support. Unfortunately, disease outbreaks before harvest led to the project’s failure.

D’Cruz envisions a future where seaweed farms are operated by coastal communities, with locals processing and selling products to high-value markets, thus boosting incomes and fostering industry growth. She sees Goa as an ideal hub for seaweed farming innovation due to its mix of scientists, ecologists, fishing communities, and tech entrepreneurs. Integrating seaweed farming into Goa’s fishing activities could be highly beneficial.