Latest news with #Kappaphycus
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Seaweed sector in India holds promise: Experts
Mangaluru: India has immense untapped potential in seaweed cultivation, but scaling up production will require targeted policies, scientific planning, and serious investment from private sector, according to Dr Grinson George, director, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Speaking about the current status, Dr George said global seaweed production stands at 35.5 million metric tonnes, while India contributes only around 1 lakh tonnes. "Over 300 sites have been identified for seaweed cultivation across the country, but profitability remains a major hurdle," he said. For the sector to grow meaningfully, multinational companies must step in with serious investments, he added. "Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have submitted draft policies on marine-culture policy. A team is working on seaweed cultivation with support from dept of fisheries, govt of India," he noted. Dr George pointed out that the type of seaweed cultivated plays a crucial role in commercial viability. Native species like Sargassum fetch just Rs 11 per kg, while non-native varieties such as Kappaphycus alvarezii fetch up to Rs 69 per kg. The govt has issued import and quarantine guidelines. CMFRI, which was designated as the Centre of Excellence for Seaweed Farming, is now facilitating stakeholder consultations to frame sustainable cultivation practices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Meanwhile, director of Karnataka fisheries department, Dinesh Kumar Kaller said that despite salinity fluctuations and urbanisation challenges in Mangaluru, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts show great potential for seaweed farming. "We tried seaweed cultivation in Ankola, but it did not succeed due to fluctuating salinity. We are now considering a cluster model and looking to procure high-quality seeds from Mandapam (Tamil Nadu) or Bhavnagar (Gujarat). This approach can reduce transportation costs for farmers and simplify marketing," he said. He also added that CMFRI has identified suitable locations in Udupi and Uttara Kannada, and a cluster-based model could help unlock the region's potential for sustainable and profitable seaweed farming.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Ramanathapuram Collector distributes 60 tonnes of Kappaphycus seed to women cultivators
Ramanathapuram Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, along with Kannan Srinivasan, Director, CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, distributed 60 tonnes of Kappaphycus seed to 60 beneficiaries during a project closure ceremony at Marine Algal Research Station in Mandapam, recently. To revive production of red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and to support women cultivators who rely on seaweed farming, the initiative to restore the farming activity and production rate, a seed bank for Kappaphycus alvarezii was established by CSIR-CSMCRI-Marine Algal research station, Mandapam camp in 2021 near the Umayalpuram coast, Mandapam. The initiative, which was undertaken under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government. of India, funded project in PMMSY scheme, earmarked 300 tonne as the target. Under the scheme, CSIR-CSMCRI-Marine Algal research station has produced 278 tonnes of fresh quality seed and distributed among the 211 beneficiaries since the initiation of this project, said a press release of CSIR-CSMCRI. The beneficiaries who were each given one tonne of seed material were identified by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu. The new beneficiaries have been selected from Mandapam coast, Sambai, Mangadu in Rameswaram Island, Puthupatinam in North Ramanathapuram, Kumarappavayal, and Muthukuda in Pudukottai district.
