7 months ago
India Expands Seaweed Cultivation for Sustainable Growth
India has seen a big increase in seaweed production, growing nearly three times in the last decade.
The government is now focusing on expanding seaweed farming and related industries to create more jobs, especially for people living near the coast.
A big event called the India International Seaweed Expo and Summit was held to talk about this.
At the event, many different seaweed products were shown, like food items, soaps, and even plastics made from seaweed.
The government is supporting this growth with special programs and initiatives.
Many countries also participated in the event, showing interest in working with India on seaweed projects.
Seaweed production in India has increased nearly threefold from 18,890 tonnes in 2015 to 74,083 tonnes in 2024.
The 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit highlighted the industrial potential of seaweeds and showcased various seaweed-derived products.
Government initiatives like the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana support seaweed cultivation in 100 aspirational districts, including Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Kerala.
The event emphasized the need for large-scale processing plants and stronger collaboration among ministries to accelerate the seaweed sector.
Participants from over 10 countries, including the US, Russia, Australia, and France, attended the summit to foster partnerships and business opportunities.
- Who
- Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Indian Chamber of Commerce, ICAR–CMFRI, CSMCRI
- What
- 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit, expansion of seaweed cultivation and industries
- Where
- ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
- When
- January 29, 2026
- Why
- To promote sustainable livelihoods, coastal development, and industrial potential of seaweeds
Key facts
- Seaweed Production Growth
- Increased from 18,890 tonnes in 2015 to 74,083 tonnes in 2024
- Event
- 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit
- Organizers
- Indian Chamber of Commerce, ICAR–CMFRI, CSMCRI
- Participants
- Diplomats, scientists, investors, entrepreneurs from over 10 countries
- Government Initiative
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- Key Districts in Kerala
- Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
- Seaweed Products
- Nutritional powders, pakwadas, jams, sauces, milk thickeners, gelling agents, soaps, plastics, paper, bio-fertilisers, feeds, air-freshener gels
Quotes
Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways
“Shipping is a strategic sector in today’s highly unpredictable geopolitical environment. While these ambitions present challenges, they also open up significant opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and high-value business solutions. He highlighted the importance of platforms such as Comarsem in bringing together industry, policymakers, and investors to deliberate on critical issues, including the green transition in shipping.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Referring to recent government initiatives, Sonowal said policies such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0, Ship Recycling Credit Policy, Maritime Development Fund, and incentives for brownfield and greenfield expansions are aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for the sector.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
Govt aims to make India 5th largest shipping nation by 2047: Minister Sonowal
Centre clears Rs 199-crore smart fishing harbour for Andaman’s Mayabunder
India eyes major expansion in seaweed production: Union Minister George Kurian
With rise in production, India looks at expansion of seaweed cultivation
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