Tube-net seaweed farming takes root along AP coast
VISAKHAPATNAM: Seaweed farming is gaining popularity along Andhra Pradesh coast as an emerging livelihood, and sustainable marine practice that boosts coastal productivity. Known as the 'Medical Food of the 21st Century', seaweed offers health benefits, and industrial uses ranging from pharmaceuticals to food additives.
Despite its potential, commercial seaweed farming in India's open seas remains limited due to strong wave action and environmental factors. Traditional bamboo raft-based mono-line farming, suitable for shallow, calm waters, often fails in rougher coastal areas.
To overcome this, scientists have developed a tube net-based farming method using floating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rafts with a multipoint mooring system.
Speaking to TNIE, Joe K Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CMFRI's Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, said this system has shown structural stability and better yield in turbulent waters up to 10 metres deep.
Trials using Kappaphycus alvarezii off Visakhapatnam coast proved successful. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has promoted this system, establishing a unit in Budagatlapalem village in Srikakulam district. Subsidies are being provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and fisher communities.
Seaweed is harvested every 45 days, with dry seaweed selling for Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg. Ten kg of wet seaweed yields 1 kg of dry product. The required tubes last up to 10 years, making the model sustainable with low recurring costs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
30 minutes ago
- Economic Times
From small Andhra village to world record: Anand Mahindra salutes woman professor behind the Chenab railway bridge
G. Madhavi Latha and Anand Mahindra Industrialist Anand Mahindra in his Monday Motivation posts applauds excellence in different fields, but this time, his admiration spotlighted a quiet trailblazer whose contribution shaped a national engineering marvel. 'An accomplished geotechnical engineer and Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, she played a pivotal role in the construction of the Chenab Railway Bridge. A commitment that she fulfilled over 17 years,' Mahindra wrote in a heartfelt post, referring to Dr. G. Madhavi Latha. He concluded with what has now become a signature phrase of his motivational posts: 'Dr. G. Madhavi Latha Garu is my #MondayMotivation.'And rightly so. As India celebrated the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge—the world's highest railway bridge—on June 6, the focus naturally fell on the grand structure: 359 metres above the riverbed, towering even 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower. But for Mahindra and others who looked beneath the surface, it was a moment to honour the people behind the achievement—especially the unsung engineers and scientists like Dr. Latha who laboured for years behind the scenes. — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) The Chenab Bridge, a Rs 1,486 crore project and part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), has been hailed as one of the most challenging feats in Indian railway history. The region's rugged Himalayan terrain, unstable slopes, and extreme weather posed daunting challenges. Dr. Latha, a specialist in geotechnical engineering, served as a consultant for 17 years, advising on structural stability, slope safety, and the optimal placement of rock anchors that would keep the bridge's foundations secure. Her academic journey is just as inspiring. Hailing from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, she completed her in Civil Engineering from JNTU in 1992, followed by an in Geotechnical Engineering from NIT Warangal—where she topped her class with a gold medal. She then earned her PhD from IIT Madras in 2000. Today, she serves as a professor at IISc expertise was so integral to the project that she authored a paper on the bridge's complex geotechnical challenges, published in the Indian Geotechnical Journal. Dr. Latha's contributions have earned her national recognition, including the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher Award in 2021 and a spot among India's 'Top 75 Women in STEAM' in Naidu, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, also praised her contribution. 'Another Telugu daughter has made India proud,' he posted on X, celebrating her 17-year journey of relentless commitment. He also commended the entire team of engineers and workers for overcoming the harsh landscape and unpredictable climate of Jammu and makes the story even more remarkable is the project's humble beginning. Before even a single crane could be brought in, access to the site had to be carved out—literally. Initially, engineers and workers used mules and horses to navigate the treacherous terrain. Temporary tracks were laid and eventually replaced with 11 km and 12 km of permanent access roads on the north and south banks, respectively. These roads enabled the transportation of construction equipment and materials to the remote site. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the bridge, walking across the towering steel arch while waving the national flag, it symbolised more than infrastructure—it was the realisation of an audacious dream to link Kashmir to the rest of the nation via rail. And for Anand Mahindra, it was also a moment to reflect on the persistence, intellect, and patriotism of individuals like Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, who made it possible.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Huawei Band 10 with 1.47-inch AMOLED display and 100 preset workout modes launched in India
Huawei has launched the Huawei Band 10 in India on Friday as part of its new range of smart wearable devices. Huawei Band 10 features a 1.47-inch AMOLED rectangular display with support for Always On Display. This smart band offers up to 14 days of battery life and comes in two case materials: polymer and aluminium alloy. The device tracks various health metrics, including sleep-heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, and offers an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. Huawei first launched this smart band in select global markets earlier this year in February. The Huawei Band 10 is priced at Rs. 6,499 for the polymer case model and Rs. 6,999 for the aluminium alloy variant in India. The company has announced a launch offer valid until June 10, which will reduce the prices to Rs. 3,699 and Rs. 4,199, respectively. Customers can buy both variants exclusively on Amazon. The polymer case is available in Black and Pink, while the aluminium alloy models come in Blue, Green, Matte Black, Purple, and White colours. Also read: WWDC 2025: How to Watch Apple's Live Event and What to Expect from iOS 26, AI Tools and More The Huawei Band 10 features a 1.47-inch AMOLED rectangular display with Always On Display support, which aims to offer users clear visibility of essential information. It includes touch and swipe controls along with a side button for navigation. The screen resolution stands at 194×368 pixels with a pixel density of 282ppi. Also read: Google pauses 'Ask Photos' AI Feature to address performance issues In terms of health tracking, the Huawei Band 10 measures key metrics such as sleep-heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). It also includes optical heart rate monitoring and an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. This assistant delivers wellness tips and offers calming or positive watch face suggestions. The band supports inbuilt breathing exercises to help users manage stress. Also read: Adobe launches the Photoshop Beta app for Android smartphones: Everything you need to know Furthermore, the device comes with 100 preset workout modes, which cover activities like running, cycling, yoga, and swimming. The Band 10 includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer to enhance activity tracking. Notably, the smart band targets swimmers by offering a 95 percent accuracy rate in swim stroke and lap detection. It achieves this through a nine-axis sensor combined with AI-based stroke recognition. The band also holds a 5ATM water resistance rating and supports both Android and iOS platforms. Mobile finder: iPhone 16 LATEST price, specs and all details
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Tube-net seaweed farming takes root along AP coast
VISAKHAPATNAM: Seaweed farming is gaining popularity along Andhra Pradesh coast as an emerging livelihood, and sustainable marine practice that boosts coastal productivity. Known as the 'Medical Food of the 21st Century', seaweed offers health benefits, and industrial uses ranging from pharmaceuticals to food additives. Despite its potential, commercial seaweed farming in India's open seas remains limited due to strong wave action and environmental factors. Traditional bamboo raft-based mono-line farming, suitable for shallow, calm waters, often fails in rougher coastal areas. To overcome this, scientists have developed a tube net-based farming method using floating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rafts with a multipoint mooring system. Speaking to TNIE, Joe K Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CMFRI's Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, said this system has shown structural stability and better yield in turbulent waters up to 10 metres deep. Trials using Kappaphycus alvarezii off Visakhapatnam coast proved successful. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has promoted this system, establishing a unit in Budagatlapalem village in Srikakulam district. Subsidies are being provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and fisher communities. Seaweed is harvested every 45 days, with dry seaweed selling for Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg. Ten kg of wet seaweed yields 1 kg of dry product. The required tubes last up to 10 years, making the model sustainable with low recurring costs.
