/dhanam-english/media/media_files/LRdsbgyBCxf3bu5lsXTO.jpg)
A seaweed farm. According to globalseafood.org the global demand for seaweed will reach USD 95 billion by 2027. Image: PIB
The Kochi-based ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been designated as a Centre of Excellence to address key challenges in seaweed cultivation.
CMFRI's Mandapam Regional Centre in Tamil Nadu will serve as a hub for research, development, training, and capacity building in seaweed cultivation.
To enhance India’s global role
The Centre will promote sustainable seaweed farming practices and address key challenges in the area with an aim to enhance India’s role in the global seaweed industry.
Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI termed this development as a crucial step in unlocking the country’s potential in seaweed cultivation. “The Centre will focus on several key areas, including woks on improving seaweed cultivation techniques and addressing challenges.
Seed bank
A seed bank will be established to maintain the genetic diversity of indigenous seaweed species and ensure a steady supply of high-quality seedlings.
The Centre will also onduct environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainability.
Training and capacity building programmes will be offered to farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to take up seaweed cultivation and allied activities in the country, Dr George added.
International collaboration
The Centre of Excellence would also focus on international collaboration, engaging with global experts and institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building programmes.
“Seaweed farming offers a bright prospect for economic growth, coastal livelihood and environmental conservation,” Dr Grinson George said.
The CMFRI had recently decoded the genome sequence of Asian green mussel, called kallummakkaya in local parlance. The breakthrough will boost mussel farming, and aid in cancer research. Earlier, CMFRI had come out with a similar genome finding for Indian oil sardine.
CMFRI, a research institute, functions within the ambit of the Department of Fisheries, which is under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
