After a period of inactivity, Kerala is poised to revive and significantly expand its seaweed farming endeavors. Scientists are confident that cutting-edge technologies and modern practices can effectively overcome the technical hurdles that previously hindered such projects in the region.
The State Fisheries Department has proactively announced comprehensive plans to foster seaweed aquaculture and establish export-oriented industries. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian confirmed that a detailed proposal for seaweed cultivation has already been submitted to the State Planning Board, aiming for its inclusion in the upcoming State Budget. This potential was also a key discussion point at the Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave held last September.
A major step towards realizing Kerala’s ambitious vision for a flourishing seaweed sector will be the “Seaweeds: Value Chains, Climate Solutions and Blue Economy Pathways (SEAWEEDS 2026)” symposium. This event, scheduled for March 2026 in Kochi, is being jointly organized by the Fisheries Department and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).
Seaweeds are a remarkable marine resource, abundant in essential nutrients and potent bioactive compounds. They offer a diverse range of applications across various sectors, including food production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural fertilizers. Recognizing this immense potential, the Central government has earmarked a substantial budget of ₹640 crore for seaweed cultivation nationwide from 2020 to 2025. This initiative highlights seaweed’s role as a vital livelihood option for coastal communities and a sustainable solution for addressing nutritional deficiencies.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Back in 2020, the Kerala Fisheries Department established a special committee, led by the Director of Fisheries, to assess the viability of seaweed farming along its coastline. However, the project initially faced lukewarm reception. Concerns arose due to Kerala’s typically rough coastal waters and high wave conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for traditional seaweed farming methods.
Historically, floating bamboo rafts have been the standard for seaweed cultivation. This method presented challenges in Kerala’s turbulent coastal environment, as these rafts often struggled to withstand the strong waves. Yet, recent advancements in technology offer a promising solution. According to A. Biju Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of KUFOS, innovative techniques utilizing PVC pipe rafts or robust floating cages, successfully employed in countries like Indonesia and South Korea, can effectively mitigate these environmental challenges.
Beyond the commercially valuable species like Kappaphycus alvarezii, widely cultivated in neighboring Tamil Nadu and in high market demand, Kerala also possesses an untapped potential in indigenous varieties such as ‘Ulva’. Dr. Biju Kumar noted that in the past, these local species were largely overlooked due to limited awareness of their economic value and technological constraints.
Furthermore, scientists emphasize that seaweed cultivation offers significant environmental benefits. It contributes to carbon sequestration, plays a crucial role in coastal protection, and provides valuable opportunities for diversifying livelihoods among coastal populations.