India eyes major expansion in seaweed production, says Union Minister George Kurian

Seaweed production in India has nearly tripled over the past decade, rising from 18,890 tonnes in 2015 to 74,083 tonnes in 2024 , Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian said on Thursday at the 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit at CMFRI , Kochi.

“India is poised for a major expansion in seaweed cultivation and seaweed-based industries , a key driver of sustainable livelihoods and coastal development ,” Kurian said. Focused government initiatives will help scale cultivation, boost processing capacity, and create employment opportunities, especially for fishers and women in coastal regions.

Seaweed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids , minerals , vitamins , and amino acids . Many consume it as a healthy food, while fish obtain Omega-3s by feeding on seaweed. Its industrial uses include food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture , and bioenergy .

India plans to leverage its rising output through value addition , export competitiveness , and integration into the Blue Economy . The Seaweed 2030 roadmap aims to make India a global hub for sustainable seaweed production and high-value products , supported by market development , supply chain optimisation , and climate-resilient cultivation practices .

Under the PM Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana , seaweed cultivation covers 100 aspirational districts , including Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Kerala.

The summit, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, CMFRI, and CSMCRI, brought together scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, and diplomats. Dr B K Behera, Chief Executive of NFDB, called for large-scale processing plants and stronger collaboration across ministries and agencies. The CMFRI is now a centre of excellence, supporting research, training, and capacity-building for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The expo showcased seaweed species and products in wet and dried forms, highlighting its potential in food, health supplements, biostimulants, and industrial applications. Delegates from over 10 countries, including the US, Russia, Australia, France, Scotland, Ireland, Maldives, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania , participated.

India’s 7,500 km coastline offers hundreds of potential cultivation sites , with production targets set in the hundreds of thousands of tonnes annually for domestic and export markets. Partnerships are exploring seaweed biomass for biofuels and sustainable chemicals , positioning India as a major player in the global blue economy .