Seaweed and the Blue Economy: India's Path to Coastal Prosperity

Seaweed, a highly versatile marine resource, holds significant potential for India’s blue economy. Comprising Red (Rhodophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and green (Chlorophyta) species, seaweed is rich in nutrients and is used across various industries, including food, medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture. Its sustainable production of bioactive compounds like agar, algin, and carrageenan helps meet the growing global demand for bioactive compounds. In 2023, India’s seaweed industry generated around US$ 24.03 million (Rs. 200 crore), producing 33,345 tons annually, which is less than 1% of global production. With its extensive 8,118-km coastline, India has ample opportunities to scale up seaweed farming, positioning itself as a leader in this sector. As global demand for seaweed-based products rises, India can tap into this potential to drive economic growth, contribute to climate action through carbon sequestration, and improve coastal livelihoods.

India's seaweed export scenario

Source: Niti Aayog

Countries such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia are the main players in the international seaweed export market. Seaweed farming promotes agriculture and substantially contributes to sustainable resources by producing and feeding animals. India's expansive 8,118-km coastline and 2-million-square-km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offer numerous chances for blue economy-based sustainable economic growth.

Growing aquatic plants and macroalgae, which are rich in nutrients, adaptable, and frequently used in various other industries, such as food production, agricultural products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, are part of the seaweed farming technique. Aside from its economic value, seaweed improves agricultural output, reduces climate change, and promotes marine biodiversity. Its ability to trap carbon while supporting sustainable farming practices makes it an essential resource for accomplishing the global goals for sustainable development.

India's coastal wealth & economic potential of seaweed

Seaweed, a useful marine macroalgae, has tremendous potential to address climate action, food security, and gender parity. Its environmental and financial advantages, especially for women, are frequently overlooked in support of fisheries and aquaculture. Seaweed is used in a variety of products, including food, medicine, cosmetics, bio-packaging, and environmental initiatives covering renewable energy and carbon capture. It needs no land, freshwater, or fertilizers, effectively addressing nutritional gaps and capturing more carbon than forests or mangroves. However, its capacity for tackling difficulties like impoverishment, pollution, and sustainability is limited by the absence of internationally recognised norms for production and consumption. India offers a huge unrealised potential for seaweed production with its long coastline and large EEZ. The financial value of seaweeds is further demonstrated by its applications in sectors like food, medicine, and cosmetics. By using its precious resources, India could become a global leader in manufacturing sustainable seaweed, supporting economic expansion as well as benefiting environmental preservation and the fight against climate change.

By generating more jobs, improving coastal livelihoods, and reducing the impact of climate change, seaweed manufacturing in India has tremendous potential to propel sustainability and growth within the blue economy. The seafood industry needs sustainable practices, like choosing environmentally sensitive sites and introducing suitable harvest and waste disposal procedures, to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Seaweed serves as an extremely nutritious fuel source, carbon sink, and resource for value-added products, making it a crucial component of food security, carbon credits, and export revenue.

Potential areas for seaweed farming

The below table shows that the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identified a total of 333 potential sites, with trial or farming activities conducted at 78 of these locations.

Similarly, CSIR-CSMCRI identified 51 sites, where trials or farming activities have been carried out. It is important to note that the identified sites and areas are not exhaustive, as potential locations have been determined based on each state and union territory.

Potential area for seaweed farming

Regulatory and government initiatives

The Indian government’s primary initiative for seaweed cultivation is the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana" (PMMSY), a flagship scheme by the Department of Fisheries aimed at propelling seaweed production. With a target of reaching over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025, this scheme provides financial support for seaweed cultivation activities and aims to boost the coastal economy by promoting seaweed farming as a source of additional income for coastal communities.

Challenges and opportunities for growth

India’s extensive coastline and EEZ represent a largely underutilised resource for seaweed farming. With ample space for growth, India could significantly increase production and position itself as a leading player in the international seaweed market.

Outlook

The Indian seaweed industry has great potential to grow into a significant worldwide player by utilising its extensive coastline and EEZ. It can also help accomplish climate goals through carbon sequestration and environmentally friendly aquaculture techniques. There are significant export possibilities, highlighted by the increasing need for seaweed in culinary arts, medication, and cosmetic industries worldwide, which support economic expansion and foreign exchange profits. Furthermore, the nutritious benefits of seaweed mitigate the nutritional deficiencies within the population to a large extent. However, challenges include low awareness, poor infrastructure, poor research, and a lack of high-quality seed materials that impede advancement.

Raising community awareness, funding research and development for improved farming methods, creating seed banks, and improving infrastructure such as hatcheries and processing facilities are necessary to address these challenges. India may fully realise the seaweed industry's potential by tackling these problems, which will promote ecological responsibility, revenue growth, and public health. To boost economic growth, promote job opportunities, and improve livelihoods, the blue economy advocates for the responsible utilization of ocean resources. Cultivating seaweed is a feasible and ecologically conscious way for coastal communities to preserve the ecosystem, mitigate climate change, and offer economic benefits.