According to the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the $5.6 billion global seaweed industry is on the rise — and India is making waves in this space.
Key Goals & Achievements:
- Target: Boost seaweed production to 1.12 million tonnes in 5 years under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Total Allocation (2020–2025): ₹640 crore
- Major Projects:
- Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu
- Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu
What is Seaweed?
Seaweed is a marine plant that:
- Grows in shallow seawater
- Requires no land or freshwater
- Is eco-friendly & sustainable
- Contains 54 trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids
- Helps fight:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Boosts immunity and promotes overall health
- Industrial Uses:
- Alginate (from brown seaweed): Thickener in food, cosmetics, and medical products
- Agar (from red seaweed): Used in desserts, jams, and lab cultures
- Carrageenan (from red seaweed like Irish Moss): Found in ice creams, dairy, and toothpaste
Seaweed & Agriculture:
- Recognized as one of 8 biostimulants
- Improves crop yield
- Enhances soil health
- Makes plants more resilient
Global Context:
- Used as food since 4th century in Japan, 6th century in China
- Top consumers: Japan, China, South Korea
- Out of 844 species, ~60 are commercially valuable
(Source: PIB)
