GS I - Distribution of key natural resources

GSIII- Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment

Why in the news?

India is promoting seaweed farming as a sustainable and profitable industry under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aiming to increase production to 1.12 million tonnes in five years.

What are Seaweeds?

• Seaweeds – They are macroscopic algae growing in the marine and shallow coastal waters and on rocky shores.
• Types - Some seaweeds are microscopic, such as the phytoplankton that live suspended in the water column and provide the base for most marine food chains.
• Some are enormous, like the giant kelp that grow in abundant “forests” and tower like underwater redwoods from their roots at the bottom of the sea.
• Different Colours - Most are medium-sized, come in colors of red, green, brown, and black.

• Seaweed Cultivation - It grows in shallow waters and requires no land, freshwater, fertilizers or pesticides for growing , making it sustainable.

• Seaweeds in  India - Around 844 species of seaweeds have been reported from Indian seas.
• Out of the 844 seaweed species, India possesses around 434 species of Red Algae, 194 species of Brown Algae, and 216 species of Green Algae.
• Applications - It is used in many products like food, cosmetics, fertilizers and even in medicine.

What are the health benefits of seaweeds?

Seaweeds are also termed as the ‘Medical Food of the 21st Century’ as they are being used as laxatives, for making pharmaceutical capsules, in treatment of goiter, cancer, bone-replacement therapy and in cardiovascular surgeries.

• Healthy Food - Seaweed has the potential to address the challenge of nutritional deficiency in India.
• They are nutrient-rich marine plant, packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
• It contains 54 trace elements and essential nutrients that help fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and high blood pressure.

For at least 1,500 years, the Japanese have enrobed a mixture of raw fish, sticky rice, and other ingredients in a seaweed called nori. The delectable result is a sushi roll.

• Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases- Helps to manage conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and certain cancers due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties.
• Curative Medicine - Many seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents and have been used to treat wounds, burns, and rashes since ancient times.
• Digestive Health- Rich in dietary fiber and prebiotics, they enhance gut microbiota and improve digestion.
• Thyroid Function- Seaweeds are a natural source of iodine, vital for healthy thyroid metabolism.
• Immunity Boost- Their polysaccharides and bioactive compounds enhance immune system functioning.
• Cancer Treatment - Certain seaweeds do, in fact, possess powerful cancer-fighting agents that researchers hope will eventually prove effective in the treatment of malignant tumors and leukemia in people.

What are the significances of seaweeds in socio-economic development?

• Livelihood Generation - Seaweed cultivation is low-tech, low-investment, and highly labor-intensive, making it ideal for marginalized coastal communities.
• Women Empowerment - SHGs and women’s cooperatives drive seaweed farming, promoting inclusive growth and gender equality in the blue economy.
• Industrial Uses – Out of around 844 seaweed species, about 60 are commercially valuable.
• Their derivatives  are used in industries for making thickening and gelling agents.

• Economic Potential - The global seaweed industry, including food, industrial products and extracts—is valued at around US$ 5.6 billion.

• According to a World Bank report, 10 emerging seaweed markets could grow by up to US$ 11.8 billion by 2030.
• Biostimulants in Farming - Seaweed is one of the eight types of biostimulants, which help increase crop yields, improve soil health and make plants stronger.

The Government of India regulates the quality of seaweed used as biostimulants under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.

A biostimulant is a natural substance or microorganism improves the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and makes them more resistant to stress, like drought or diseases. Unlike fertilizers or pesticides, biostimulants don’t provide nutrients directly but enhance the plant’s natural processes for better growth and health.

• Support for Organic Farming -  Seaweed-based organic fertilizers are used in organic farming.
• Ecological Importance: Seaweed farming is eco-friendly as it helps fight climate change by absorbing CO₂ from the air.
• Seaweed also improves ocean health by cleaning the water and providing homes for marine life.

What are the government initiatives in promoting Seaweed industry?

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) - The government, along with NFDB, is working to boost this sector through policies, infrastructure support, and collaborations with states and research institutes.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) - Seaweed farming is a key focus under this scheme.
• India aims to boost seaweed farming, increasing production to 1.12 million tonnes in the next 5 years.

• Park and Bank - Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and a Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu were established under PMMSY scheme.
• Tissue culture technique - The CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) introduced a tissue culture technique to mass-produce Kappaphycus alvarezii (elkhorn sea moss) in Tamil Nadu.

What are the major challenges in promoting seaweed farming in India?

• Limited Awareness and Technical Knowledge - Many coastal communities are unfamiliar with the scientific methods of seaweed cultivation and post-harvest management.
• Infrastructure Deficit- Lack of adequate drying yards, cold storage, processing plants, and transport logistics hampers expansion.
• Ecological Concerns- Unregulated farming may disrupt marine biodiversity if not guided by sustainable practices.
• Market Access and Quality Control- Variability in seaweed quality and absence of standardized procurement systems affect profitability and scalability.
• Climate Sensitivity- Seaweed is vulnerable to temperature changes, salinity fluctuations, and marine pollution.

What lies ahead?

• Boost R&D: Investing in resilient seaweed strains and advanced farming techniques via ISRO, ICAR, CSMCRI.
• Promote PPPs: Attracting private investment in processing, branding, and exports.
• Skill Development: Training fishers, women, and youth under PMMSY and Skill India.
• Sustainability Standards: Establishing national guidelines for eco-friendly seaweed farming

Reference

PIB|Seaweed