India Identifies 384 Seaweed Farming Sites Across 24,707 ha; Government Boosts Sector with ₹198 Crore Investment
12 February 2026, New Delhi: India is accelerating the development of its seaweed sector, identifying 384 potential cultivation sites covering 24,707 hectares along its 11,099 km coastline, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The government is promoting seaweed cultivation through policy support, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the country’s blue economy.
Large-Scale Potential for Seaweed Cultivation
Research institutions including ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and CSIR–Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) have conducted site identification and mapping for seaweed cultivation across coastal states and Union Territories. These efforts highlight significant opportunities for expanding seaweed farming, particularly in states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep.
Tamil Nadu currently leads in seaweed cultivation area, increasing from 69.26 hectares in 2020–21 to 107.93 hectares in 2024–25. Gujarat has also shown steady growth, reaching 5.86 hectares during the same period. Andhra Pradesh has maintained a stable cultivation area of about 1.01 hectares annually, while smaller areas are reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Lakshadweep.
Area Under Active Seaweed Cultivation (Hectares)
| State/UT | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 69.26 | 87.96 | 99.94 | 104.18 | 107.93 |
| Maharashtra | — | 0.12 | 0.21 | 0.12 | — |
| Gujarat | — | 1.41 | 2.32 | 3.94 | 5.86 |
| Odisha | 0.40 | 0.20 | — | — | — |
| Andhra Pradesh | — | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.01 |
| Karnataka | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | — | — |
| Lakshadweep | 0.0016 | 0.020 | 0.028 | 0.008 | 0.008 |
Government Support Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
The Department of Fisheries is promoting seaweed cultivation, value addition, and market linkages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), implemented from 2020–21 to 2025–26. Seaweed farming has been identified as a priority activity under the scheme.
The programme supports installation of seaweed culture infrastructure such as rafts, monolines, and tubenets, establishment of seed banks and hatcheries, and creation of multipurpose seaweed parks. It also provides assistance for training, research, capacity building, and pre-feasibility studies.
During the past five years (2020–25), projects worth ₹198.17 crore have been approved for seaweed cultivation and related activities. These projects are currently at different stages of implementation across states and Union Territories.
Infrastructure Development and Production Capacity
Under PMMSY, the government has approved large-scale infrastructure development for seaweed cultivation. A total of 47,245 seaweed culture raft units have been sanctioned across five states, with a government share of ₹247 lakh. Additionally, 63,881 units using monoline and tubenet methods have been approved, with expected production of over 28,374 tonnes of seaweed.
Tamil Nadu accounts for a significant share of raft-based cultivation projects, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka lead in monoline and tubenet installations aimed at enhancing production capacity.
Approved Units of Seaweed Culture Rafts Including Inputs (2020–25) (₹ in lakh)
| Sl. No. | State | Physical Units (No.) | Project Cost | GoI Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 26,000 | 390 | 115 |
| 2 | Karnataka | 10,000 | 150 | 45 |
| 3 | Lakshadweep | 500 | 9 | 5 |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 1,000 | 15 | 5 |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 9,745 | 146.18 | 77 |
| Total | — | 47,245 | 710.18 | 247 |
Approved Units Using Monoline/Tubenet Method Including Inputs (2020–25) (₹ in lakh)
| Sl. No. | State | Physical Units (No.) | Project Cost | GoI Share | Expected Production (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 41,200 | 3,296 | 902 | 18,540 |
| 2 | Gujarat | 400 | 32 | 5 | 90 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 21,000 | 1,680 | 509 | 9,450 |
| 4 | Lakshadweep | 250 | 125 | 75 | 56 |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 1,031 | 82 | 30 | 238.95 |
| Total | — | 63,881 | 5,215 | 1,521 | 28,374.95 |
Approved Units of New Seaweed Seed Banks (2020–21) (₹ in lakh)
| Sl. No. | State/UT | Physical Units | Project Cost | GoI Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daman & Diu | 1 | 120 | 120 |
| Total | — | 1 | 120 | 120 |
Multipurpose Seaweed Park Under Integrated Aquapark Component (2022–23) (₹ in lakh)
| Sl. No. | State | Physical Units | Project Cost | GoI Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamil Nadu | 1 | 12,771 | 7,516 |
The government has also approved the establishment of a multipurpose seaweed park in Tamil Nadu to support integrated cultivation, processing, and product development for applications in food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture.
Employment Generation and Community Participation
Seaweed farming is emerging as a livelihood opportunity for coastal communities, self-help groups (SHGs), and women’s groups. According to official data, 7,230 members in Tamil Nadu, 378 in Gujarat, 120 in Andhra Pradesh, and 40 in Lakshadweep are currently engaged in seaweed cultivation.
Members Engaged in Seaweed Cultivation
| State | Members Engaged |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 7,230 |
| Gujarat | 378 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 120 |
| Lakshadweep | 40 |
Capacity-building programmes are being conducted through training, demonstrations, exposure visits, and master trainer development initiatives under Good Management Practices (GMPs). The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), in collaboration with state fisheries departments and research institutions, is leading these efforts.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported skill development and capacity-building programmes for 1,440 self-help groups and fisherfolk across 12 coastal districts with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project and AFCOF-CBBO funds.
Policy Measures to Boost Seaweed Economy
To strengthen the seaweed ecosystem, Lakshadweep has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster, while the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI has been notified as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed development. These initiatives aim to enhance research, technology dissemination, and skill development.
The government has also issued guidelines for importing seaweed germplasm and is promoting domestic utilisation and demand-led growth of the sector. Additionally, NITI Aayog has released a policy report to support long-term development of the seaweed industry in India.
Growing Focus on Blue Economy
The government’s initiatives reflect a broader strategy to promote sustainable marine resources, enhance coastal livelihoods, and diversify aquaculture production. With increasing investments, research support, and policy focus, seaweed farming is expected to play an important role in India’s blue economy and coastal development.
The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
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