New Delhi: In a bid to unlock the untapped potential of seaweed cultivation in India, the Central Government has issued new guidelines for the import of live seaweed varieties. This is the first time such regulations have been introduced, with the aim of enhancing domestic seaweed production to meet the growing demand from various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paint, paper, and mining.
India’s vast coastline has the capacity to produce nearly 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed annually. However, the country currently produces only 34,000 tonnes, far below its potential. Globally, seaweed production stands at 35 million tonnes (wet weight) every year, valued at approximately $16.5 billion.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying noted that India is home to about 844 species of seaweed, but current farming efforts focus on a limited range of native varieties, resulting in reduced growth rates and vulnerability to disease. “The introduction of new strains through controlled importation will help address these issues and improve productivity,” said a ministry official.
Seaweed-based industries in India have been unable to operate at optimal capacity due to shortages of raw materials. The government has now set a goal to increase production to 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. As part of this effort, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has geotagged 342 locations along the Indian coastline that are ideal for cultivating marine plants and algae.
The guidelines, released on October 23, aim to mitigate the risks associated with importing new seaweed varieties by implementing stringent quarantine measures and shipment protocols. The official emphasized the importance of managing biosecurity risks to prevent the introduction of pests, pathogens, and diseases that could harm native marine ecosystems.
Currently, live seaweed is not covered under India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) guidelines for the import and export of agricultural products. However, the new seaweed import framework includes detailed procedures for quarantine, handling, and shipment to ensure that wild seaweed populations remain unaffected.
A recent policy paper by NITI Aayog, titled ‘Strategy for the Development of the Seaweed Value Chain,’ emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of seaweed farming. It highlighted that seaweed cultivation offers an alternative source of income for coastal communities, reduces dependence on conventional fishing, and supports the sustainable growth of marine industries.
The paper also stressed the significant nutritional value of seaweed, commonly known as sea vegetables, which are now gaining popularity as nutraceutical supplements. Rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, and packed with vitamins such as A, B1, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid, seaweeds also contain essential amino acids critical for metabolism and overall health.
The NITI Aayog report further noted that expanding seaweed production could play a crucial role in addressing India’s nutritional challenges, offering both sustainable livelihoods and improved food security. With these new guidelines in place, the government hopes to facilitate a thriving seaweed industry and boost coastal economies while ensuring responsible management of marine ecosystems.
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