Researchers, industry urged to focus on seaweed sector

Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian has urged researchers and the business community to focus on the seaweed sector for fully harnessing the opportunities offered by the blue economy.

The global seaweed production has crossed 35 million tonnes, while India’s contribution remains below 1%, highlighting the vast untapped potential for growth, he said in his inaugural address at the international seaweed symposium held at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) here.

He noted that India’s seaweed sector was growing at nearly 9% annually, emphasising the importance of expansion in farming, value addition, and industrial participation. With around 97% of global seaweed production concentrated in Asia, he underlined the need for India to strengthen its position in the emerging marine bio-resource sector, according to a release.

The Minister said India’s seaweed production had gone up from 18,000 tonnes in 2015 to 75,000 tonnes in 2024, indicating the rapid pace of growth. Kufos Vice-Chancellor A. Biju Kumar presided over the function.