Kochi
The Department of Fisheries, under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has officially recognized the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. The Mandapam Regional Centre of CMFRI in Tamil Nadu will now lead research, development, training, and capacity building in this field.
The new centre aims to promote sustainable seaweed farming practices and tackle key challenges to enhance India’s position in the global seaweed industry. Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, described this designation as a significant step towards unlocking the country’s seaweed cultivation potential.
The Centre will focus on improving cultivation techniques, addressing challenges, and supporting economic growth, coastal livelihoods, and environmental conservation. A seed bank will be established to preserve genetic diversity and ensure a steady supply of high-quality seedlings. Environmental impact assessments will be conducted to ensure sustainability, and training programs will be offered to farmers and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the Centre will foster international collaboration to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building. Last year, CMFRI introduced Cadalmin™ Immunalgin extract, a seaweed-based nutraceutical with antiviral properties against COVID-19. CMFRI has identified 342 sites for seaweed farming across over 24,000 hectares, with a production potential of 9.7 million tonnes per year.
