Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 23 — The Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Administration, in collaboration with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), has launched a Seaweed Cultivation Demonstration Project at Chidiyatapu. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the presence of key officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Fisheries) Smt. Nandini Paliwal, Secretary (Fisheries) Shri Vishwendra, and NIOT Director Prof. B. Ramakrishnan.
In his address, Shri Keshav Chandra highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for expanding seaweed farming nationwide, citing its utility in industries like cosmetics, bio-plastics, and food. He emphasized the project’s role in showcasing the viability of cultivating Gracilaria edulis, a locally available seaweed species, across a 10-hectare area without disrupting the islands’ ecosystem.
The Chief Secretary noted that the first phase involves cultivating seaweed over 5 hectares managed by NIOT, with an additional 5 hectares overseen by the Fisheries Department. He expressed optimism about scaling the project across sites such as South Point, North Bay, and Shoal Bay, positioning the A&N Islands as a national leader in seaweed cultivation.
The ease and efficiency of the cultivation process, with harvests ready in just 30 days, were underscored as a key benefit for the local fishing community. The Chief Secretary also participated in deploying seaweed tube-nets into rafts and toured stalls displaying seaweed products.
An MoU was signed between NIOT and the Fisheries Department to formalize the project. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Fisheries) Shri Vishwendra explained that the initiative emerged from regular review meetings led by the Chief Secretary. He added that the project aligns with the new ‘Comprehensive Fisheries Development Policy,’ aiming to promote sustainable marine practices.
Prof. Ramakrishnan from NIOT highlighted that A&N Islands boast a rich seaweed biodiversity, with 244 species identified among the 865 found in India, showcasing the region’s potential in seaweed cultivation.