Beyond being hailed as a picturesque destination for tourism, Lakshadweep is also on the Government’s agenda to turn it into country’s seaweed hub, beginning of which has been successfully initiated with a first-ever commercial-scale pilot farming launched in the region last year by a private firm under the guidance of marine research body Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Eying its potential, the CMFRI along with Indian Agriculture Council of Research (ICAR) with the help of Niti AAyog has huge plans: A production of about 30,000 tonnes worth Rs 7.5 million in a year for which a farming demonstration of seaweeds was launched in nine inhabited islands.
Rich in nutrients, climate-smart seaweeds are increasingly recognized as a superfood and a valuable resource with various applications, ranging from economic benefits to environmental sustainability. Seaweeds have numerous applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The recent launch of a commercial-scale pilot seaweed farming project initiated by TSC-Purple Turtle Company in Lakshadweep marks a significant step towards harnessing the immense potential of this island territory, said an official from the CMFRI.
It said the indigenous red algae, Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera, are some of the species being planned in nearly 2500 bamboo rafts which will benefit 100 families belonging to about ten women self-help groups.In fact, seaweed cultivation has been the pet project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who since his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, had been stressing on its promotion for the fishermen and coastal communities looking to double their income and boost the rural economy. It has been estimated that lndia can produce one million tonnes of dry seaweed providing employment to nearly 2 lakh fishers with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh per individual.
The global demand for seaweed has been expanding steadily. According to Global Market Insights, the commercial seaweed market is expected to surpass USD 95 billion by 2027.
Last year, President Droupadi Murmu had met the SHGs during her visit to the island, appreciating their efforts in seaweed farming.
“Traditionally known for its unique tuna fish, beautiful corals, reef fish and other creatures, soon the islands are likely to be known as the seaweed farming hub of the country,” Dr K Mohammed Koya, a senior scientist with the CMFRI was quoted by a report. “Our studies revealed that the island has a potential of producing nearly 30,000 tons of dry seaweed per year worth Rs 7.5 million by farming only 1% (200 ha) of its 21,290 hectares of lagoon area (inhabited islands only),” Dr Koya added.
The ICAR-CMFRI’s involvement in seaweed cultivation dates back to August 2020, initiated under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) of the ICAR.
The Centre has also taken up production of seaweed on an industrial scale for which it has enlisted the support of National Cooperatives Development Corporation and has been roping in Farmers Produce Organisations and co-operatives in order to harness its potential.
The Lakshadweep Administration on its part has been actively endorsing government initiatives such as the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Mudra Loans to facilitate fisheries sector development, expecting positive outcomes for the seaweed enterprise.