The Department of Fisheries, under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has designated the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s role in the global seaweed industry by promoting sustainable practices and addressing key challenges in seaweed farming.
The Mandapam Regional Centre of CMFRI in Tamil Nadu will act as a central hub for research, development, training, and capacity building in seaweed cultivation. In a recent release, CMFRI highlighted that this center would spearhead efforts to improve cultivation techniques and tackle various issues in the sector.
Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, hailed the development as a major step in unlocking the country’s potential in seaweed farming. He emphasized that the center would work on maintaining the genetic diversity of native seaweed species through the creation of a seed bank to ensure the steady availability of high-quality seedlings.
Environmental impact assessments will also be conducted to promote sustainable practices in the industry. The center will further offer training and capacity-building programs to farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, encouraging wider adoption of seaweed farming across the country.
Additionally, Dr. George noted that international collaborations with global experts and institutions would play a critical role in facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing India’s capacity in the sector. He also emphasized the economic potential of seaweed farming, highlighting its benefits for coastal livelihoods and environmental conservation.
