Seaweeds: Commercial Significance, Seaweed Cultivation: Potential in India

PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS2 > Government Policies & Interventions for Development in Various Sectors

Context: PM talked of the recently launched 20K crore Matasya Samapada Yojna & Seaweed Farming.

About Seaweeds

Seaweed is the common name for countless species of marine plants & algae that grow in the ocean as well as in rivers, lakes, & other water bodies.
They are macrophytic which mean they live in water or moist land surfaces.
They generally grow in the shallow waters in the tidal zone.
Some seaweeds are microscopic, such as the phytoplankton that live suspended in the water column.
Some are enormous, like the giant kelp that grow in abundant “forests” from their roots at the bottom.
Seaweeds exhibit highest photosynthesis efficiency due to moist conditions.
They contribute to about 50% of all photosynthesis in the world.

Seaweed is full of vitamins, minerals, & fibre.
Many seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial agents.
They are known to process significant medicinal effects.
Certain seaweeds possess powerful cancer-fighting agents.
They are effective binding agents (emulsifiers) & are used commercial goods as toothpaste & fruit jelly, & popular softeners (emollients) in organic cosmetics & skin-care products.

Provide occupation for the coastal people.
Provide continues supply of raw material for seaweed-based industry.
Seaweed farming is eco-friendly.
It is a major tool to treat coastal pollution in the sea & reduce CO₂ in global warming.

India is among the 12 mega-biodiversity nations in the world.
India has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.17 million km².
The Indian coastline, with its different coastal ecosystems, supports luxuriant growth of diverse seaweed populations, having considerable economic importance.
About 844 seaweed species are reported from India which has a coastline of 7,500 km.
On the West Coast, especially in Gujarat, abundant resources are present on the intertidal & subtidal regions.
These resources have great potential for the development of seaweed-based industries in India.
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat coasts, Lakshadweep & Andaman & Nicobar Islands are abundant in seaweed.
Rich seaweed beds are also found around Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa, Karwar, Varkala, Vizhinjam & Pulicat in Tamil Nadu & Chilka in Orissa.
Gulf of Mannar is home to more than 240 seaweed varieties out of which at least 185 are edible ones.

Labour shortages during the paddy harvesting & transplanting season.
Lack of livelihood security due to low wages & during bad weather.
Lack of technology to improve processed products.
Lack of information on new & alternative sources of raw material.
Risky as they must be collected from depths of more than 25 to 30 feet to collect seaweed.
Over-exploitation: While India has a rich source of seaweed varieties, we have focused only on harvesting, not cultivation thus leading to over-exploitation.
Lack of awareness about health benefits acts as a hindrance to nutrition transition among the population.
Less market demand.
Lack of support from the government.