Latest news with #Kappaphycusalvarezii
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
North Coastal AP bets big on seaweed cultivation
The Fisheries Department, in association with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and District Rural Development Authority (DRDA), has decided to cultivate seaweed at Thantadi and Revupolavaram in Anakapalli district. The efforts are part of a plan to turn north coastal Andhra Pradesh into a hub for the cultivation of seaweed, which is in high demand by the pharma, food and fashion sectors globally. 'We have taken DRDA's support to identify women farmers to start seaweed farming in 220 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floating rafts. Each raft, made at an investment of around ₹18,000, will yield 250 kg of seaweed in 45-50 days. We have buyers from Tamil Nadu to process and retail it,' said Anakapalli District Fisheries Officer G. Vijaya on Saturday (August 2). HDPE rafting was suggested by CMFRI, she said, adding that they are taking technical support from its scientists to take the project forward as per the State and Central guidelines and orders. When contacted, CMFRI scientist (project leader) M. Sekhar said HDPE rafts are chosen owing to their durability, resistance to seawater corrosion and ability to withstand harsh sea conditions. It can withstand strong currents, waves and the weight of fish or seaweed. Moreover, HDPE's longevity and low maintenance make it cost-effective in the long run, compared to other materials. Also, HDPE is considered a relatively eco-friendly material for aquaculture, he added. 'Seaweed, a marine plant, is being promoted for various uses such as food, medicine, textiles and fertiliser. We (CMFRI) have identified around 50 potential locations for seaweed cultivation across Andhra Pradesh. The Centre is promoting its cultivation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). On a pilot basis, we have suggested it's cultivation along Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam coasts, where we have got positive results,' Mr. Sekhar told The Hindu. Kappaphycus alvarezii is a common species cultivated, along with other types like Gracilaria, Saccharina japonica, Pyropia and Sargassum fusiform. Seaweed is used in various food products such as sausages, cookies and health drinks. Edible and functional seaweed films are used for packaging, and seaweed extracts and powders are used as organic fertiliser to improve soil health and crop yields. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, textiles and biofuel production. 'Seaweed farming and processing can contribute to local economic growth by creating new jobs and markets for seaweed products. Not only women, anyone interested can contact us to apply for cultivation,' said Ms. Vijaya.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka submitted draft of mariculture policy, says CMFRI Director
Stating that Karnataka has submitted the draft of its mariculture policy, Grinson George, Director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), has said that maritime States will have to come out with their respective mariculture and open-water leasing out policies if seaweed farming is to thrive in the country. In the background of the Union government designating CMFRI's Mandapam Regional Centre as the Centre of Excellence for the holistic development and promotion of seaweed culture in the country, Mr. George told The Hindu that if global production of seaweed was at 35.5 million metric tonnes, India's share stood at only one lakh tonnes. 300 sites identified Mr. George said that though the CMFRI had identified 300 sites for seaweed farming in the country, the absence of a mariculture policy for leasing out open water was a hindrance to pushing the cultivation aggressively. Multinational companies (MNCs) that are ready to invest in seaweed culture want a clear-cut policy. MNCs needed a larger area to tap the potential. He stated that the CMFRI developed guidelines on open-water leasing in the mariculture policy, which were submitted to the Union Department of Fisheries. Now, coastal States will have to form their respective policies. 'Sea area, up to 12 nautical miles from the coast, is under the jurisdiction of the States. They can fix the rates and practical ways of taking up seaweed cultivation. Then MNCs will come and invest,' he said. 'Goa has come out with its policy. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have submitted their drafts. The CMFRI is technically guiding and supporting the States in fine-tuning their drafts. We have a team working on this,' the Director added. Import guidelines Mr. George said that the Department of Fisheries under the Union government has come out with import guidelines for seaweeds also. 'Now there are proper import guidelines. We can import, quarantine, test, and do farming,' he said. Notwithstanding, some States have concerns over the impacts of non-native seaweeds on biodiversity, including whether they would replace native species or if they would actually thrive, etc. Such fears will have to be allayed properly, he said. Mr. George said that when compared to non-native seaweeds, cultivating native ones is not very profitable. 'For example, native seaweed like Sargassum, when dried, fetches ₹11 per k.g. Whereas non-native seaweed like Kappaphycus alvarezii fetches ₹69 per kg,' he said, adding that non-natives, which can fetch a good price, should be imported for cultivation. He said that seaweed cultivation will have to flourish in the country in many ways. 'Because there is a requirement for bioactive compounds from seaweed, which are being imported by India. It is a great loss in terms of foreign exchange. MNCs have to invest seriously in this seaweed business.'
New Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Health
- 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.
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.
