Transforming Coastal Lives Through Seaweed

Empowering India’s Fishermen & Fisherwomen with Government Support

🇮🇳 Seaweed Mission (2021)

The Seaweed Mission by the Department of Biotechnology aims to commercialize seaweed cultivation across India’s 7,500 km coastline. This initiative uplifts coastal communities, enabling sustainable income for thousands of fishermen and fisherwomen by turning the ocean into a resource for health, wealth, and resilience.

💰 Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

PMMSY promotes modern fishery infrastructure and provides financial incentives for seaweed farming, post-harvest management, and market linkage. Special allocations are made for women-led coastal groups, ensuring inclusive growth and livelihood diversification.

🧪 CMFRI's Seaweed-based Nutraceuticals

ICAR–CMFRI has developed Cadalmin™ IMe and Cadalmin™ ACe, eco-friendly seaweed-based health products. These support immunity and heart health, boosting market demand for seaweed and offering new income opportunities to rural marine cultivators.

🏦 Key Funding & Schemes

  • Blue Economy Policy: Aims to sustainably harness ocean resources while creating employment and food security.
  • PMMSY Allocations: Over ₹20,000 crores for fisheries and aquaculture, including seaweed farming.
  • DBT’s Seaweed Parks: Mega seaweed processing parks proposed in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to provide processing & export boost.
  • Skill Development: Training programs for women SHGs, youth, and marginalized fishers to equip them with aquaculture techniques.

📈 Economic Opportunity

India’s seaweed sector currently contributes less than 1% to global production with an estimated revenue of ₹200 crore. With the right ecosystem, it holds potential to become a billion-dollar industry while transforming the lives of coastal fishermen and fisherwomen with sustainable, long-term income.