NITI Aayog has recently unveiled a detailed strategy aimed at promoting seaweed cultivation in India through its report titled “Strategy for the Development of Seaweed Value Chain.” This plan outlines steps for research, investment, training, infrastructure development, and market promotion, all geared towards boosting seaweed production. The initiative aims to positively impact the environment, economy, and local communities.
Key Highlights
NITI Aayog Report: Launched a detailed strategy to promote seaweed cultivation in India.
Seaweed Classification: Seaweeds are marine algae classified into green, brown, and red groups.
Global Production: In 2019, global seaweed production reached 35.8 million tonnes, with Asia leading cultivation.
India’s Contribution: India harvests 33,345 tonnes of seaweed annually, mostly from Tamil Nadu.
Economic Potential: India’s seaweed sector contributes less than 1% to global production, with plans to increase this share.
Global Market: The global seaweed market was valued at USD 9.9 billion in 2021, with Korea leading exports.
Seaweed Mission: The Indian government launched the Seaweed Mission in 2021 to commercialize seaweed farming.
Nutritional Value: Seaweed is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.
Medicinal Benefits: Seaweed contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, with potential cancer-fighting abilities.
Commercial Applications: Seaweed is used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as agricultural biostimulants.
Environmental Impact: Seaweed helps in carbon sequestration and maintaining marine ecosystems.
Government Initiatives: Includes the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and a Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu.
Investment Focus: NITI Aayog recommends boosting investments in the coastal seaweed sector.
Financial Support: Expanding PM-KISAN and PMFBY to include seaweed farmers and providing comprehensive insurance.
Skill Development: Proposes certificate and diploma courses in seaweed cultivation and management.
Understanding Seaweeds
What Are Seaweeds?
Seaweeds are primitive, marine algae that lack roots, stems, and leaves. They are vital components of marine ecosystems, with large seaweeds forming dense underwater forests known as kelp forests. These serve as nurseries for marine life such as fish, snails, and sea urchins. Common seaweed species include Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, and Sargassum spp., categorized into green (Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) groups.
Global and Indian Seaweed Production
Global Perspective
In 2019, global seaweed production reached approximately 35.8 million tonnes, with wild collection contributing 1.1 million tonnes. The Eastern and Southeastern Asia regions dominate cultivation, accounting for 97.4% of global production. Indonesia is a key player in the seaweed industry. Notably, Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum make up 27.8% of the global seaweed production through farming. The industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2022 to 2030.
India’s Scenario
India harvests around 33,345 tonnes of seaweed annually, primarily from natural beds in Tamil Nadu, involving 5,000 families. Despite its efforts, India contributes less than 1% to global seaweed production, generating an annual revenue of about Rs 200 crores. The government has set a goal to increase the allied sector’s share of gross value added in agriculture to 9% by 2024-25, up from 7.28% in 2018-19.
Import and Export Trends
Global Market Overview
As of 2021, the global seaweed market was valued at USD 9.9 billion, with major trading countries including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia. Korea dominates seaweed exports, holding over 30% of the market share, while China leads in seaweed-based hydrocolloids, used as thickening and gelling agents.
Seaweed Resources in India
India’s coastal regions, particularly along Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, as well as around Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, are rich in seaweed resources. Significant seaweed beds can be found in areas like Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa, and Vizhinjam in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
Government Initiatives
Seaweed Mission
Launched in 2021, the Seaweed Mission aims to commercialize seaweed farming and processing, enhancing value addition and increasing cultivation along India’s 7,500-kilometre coastline.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
The government also promotes seaweed cultivation through the PMMSY initiative, focusing on boosting the seaweed sector’s growth.
Commercialization of Seaweed Products
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have successfully commercialized seaweed-based nutraceutical products like CadalminTM Immunalgin and CadalminTM Antihypercholesterolemic extracts, developed with eco-friendly ‘green’ technology.
Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu
A dedicated seaweed park in Tamil Nadu is being developed to support the growing seaweed industry in the region.
Uses And Benefits Of Seaweeds
Nutritional Value
Seaweeds are rich in essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, along with vitamins A, B1, B12, C, D, E, and niacin. They also contain vital amino acids crucial for metabolism and overall health.
Medicinal Uses
Seaweeds possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, with some species showing potential in fighting cancer, particularly malignant tumors and leukemia.
Commercial and Agricultural Applications
Commercially, seaweeds are valued for their bioactive metabolites, manure, fodder, and cell wall polysaccharides like agar and carrageenan. They are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and mining industries, as well as in agriculture as crop biostimulants and animal feed additives. Seaweed cultivation also provides income opportunities for coastal communities, with potential earnings of up to Rs 13,28,000 per hectare under optimal conditions.
Environmental Impact
Seaweeds play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems by absorbing excess nutrients from waste, preventing algal blooms, and reducing carbon footprints. Seaweed mariculture has significant carbon sequestration potential, estimated at 57.64 metric tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually.
NITI Aayog’s Recommendations For Seaweed Promotion
Policy Amendments
NITI Aayog recommends reclassifying seaweed under the Department of Fisheries for better management and tracking. The report suggests transferring seaweed exports and certification oversight to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and aligning with international certification standards.
Financial Support and Insurance
The report advocates for including seaweed-related credit in the RBI’s priority sector lending list and developing comprehensive insurance coverage for seaweed farming. Expanding existing schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY to include seaweed farmers is also recommended.
Investment and Skill Development
The report calls for increased public and private investments in the coastal seaweed sector, leveraging reforms like Stand-up India and Startup India. It also emphasizes the need for skill development through certificate and diploma courses in seaweed cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest management.