————-  Suchetana Choudhury ( suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com )

As India charts a path toward a resilient and inclusive blue economy, one marine resource stands out for its unmatched versatility and potential—seaweed. Often overlooked in mainstream policy and investment circles, seaweed could be the game-changer that fuels climate-smart livelihoods, women-led enterprises, and sustainable industrial growth. A lighthouse livelihood for India’s coastal communities, particularly for women, seaweeds can be scaled through self-help groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and micro-enterprises. Vikas Motiram Koli, a blue economy entrepreneur, therefore shares his vision towards the establishment of seaweed-driven marine bioeconomy with AgroSpectrum.

How is seaweed cultivation currently prioritised within India’s National Blue Economy policy and maritime development plans?

Right now, seaweed is spoken of in government policies, but it hasn’t reached the boat yet. On paper, yes, it is part of the National Blue Economy plans. But on ground, fisherfolk are still struggling to understand what role they can play. If we want real inclusion, the government must prioritise capacity-building for coastal communities, especially women and traditional fishers, and give them not just schemes, but handholding and market access.

What is the estimated market potential of the Indian seaweed industry by 2030?

By 2030, India’s seaweed sector could easily be a Rs 10,000 crore industry—if we do it right. From food, pharma, cosmetics to bio-packaging and organic fertilisers, the applications are vast. But this potential will stay on reports of grassroots entrepreneurs and fisherfolk are not made the frontline stakeholders.

What are the major investment opportunities and barriers for entrepreneurs in the seaweed sector?
Opportunities?

Tons. Coastal startups can create rural employment, women-led SHGs can scale sustainable harvesting, and even biotech firms can develop high-value extracts. Barriers? No standard pricing. No buy-back system. Limited processing infrastructure. And too much red tape in permissions. We need clear, decentralised policies and seaweed “zones” similar to agri-export zones.

How can India integrate seaweed products into global value chains, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe?

To enter global chains, we need to first build trust. That starts with traceability, certifications, and consistent quality. Fisher cooperatives must be trained in post-harvest handling and quality checks. We must also invest in cold chains and promote India as a sustainable source of ethical seaweed.

What policy initiatives or reforms are currently in place to promote seaweed farming in India?

There are central schemes like PMMSY, CSIR, and ICAR that are pushing pilot projects. But there’s no dedicated National Seaweed Mission yet with strong financial and technical incentives. We need state-specific seaweed policies—Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat must all localise support. And we must ensure these reach the actual harvesters, not just paper cooperatives.

How can emerging technologies like AI, remote sensing, or biotech enhance the efficiency and sustainability of seaweed farming?

Imagine AI helping detect optimal growing zones. Or drones monitoring crop health. Biotech improving yield and resilience. These are not dreams—they’re possible now. But only if we invest in tech-labs in coastal universities and make tech accessible to grassroots entrepreneurs. Otherwise, it will remain in journals.

What are the critical regulatory frameworks governing seaweed farming, processing, and commercialisation in India? Are there gaps that need to be addressed?

Right now, there are too many authorities and no single-window system—CRZ rules, fisheries permissions, port restrictions—it’s confusing and discouraging for local entrepreneurs. What we need is a dedicated regulatory roadmap that clearly covers leasing of sea space, harvesting protocols, processing norms, and export facilitation. Coastal communities, especially traditional fisherfolk, must be genuinely consulted and not bypassed.
We are also demanding the creation of a Coastal Autonomous Body—a council primarily composed of members from coastal communities directly engaged in fisheries and Blue Economy activities. This body will act as a bridge between the government and the grassroots, ensuring policies are practical, inclusive, and grounded in local realities. It will help monitor implementation, resolve bottlenecks, and advocate for rights such as sea-space tenure, insurance, and fair market access.
Additionally, clarity is urgently needed on insurance coverage, safety liabilities, and property rights over farm plots in the sea. Without these protections, sustainable seaweed entrepreneurship cannot flourish.

How can seaweed farming be integrated into existing coastal zone management and marine spatial planning efforts to optimise resource utilisation?
Seaweed farms shouldn’t fight with trawlers or marine tourism. We need Marine Spatial Plans (MSP) that mark zones for sustainable aquaculture. Fisher cooperatives must be involved in this planning, otherwise it’ll be like SEZs again—big players get access, and locals are left out. Let seaweed be the grassroots livelihood buffer in coastal planning.

How quantifiable are the carbon sequestration capacities of seaweed farms in India’s coastal zones, and what protocols exist for carbon credit certification?

India is still behind in setting protocols. Other countries have started accounting seaweed as blue carbon. We must develop our own MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) frameworks, and set up a Seaweed Carbon Credit Authority, maybe within the Blue Economy Cell. Let fishermen get income not just from biomass, but also from “green value.”

How can Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) models be effectively implemented in India to synergise seaweed cultivation with fish and shellfish farming?

IMTA is like a cooperative of species—waste from one is food for another. We need pilot clusters—say, a 10-hectare model in each coastal state, integrating seaweed, mussels, and shrimp. But fisherfolk must be trained and given low-interest credit. If done right, IMTA will create food, income, and ecological balance in one go.

What is the current status and future potential of genetic engineering or CRISPR-based interventions in improving seaweed strains for commercial purposes?

India is still exploring native strains. But to meet industrial demand, we will need high-yield, fast-growing, climate-resilient varieties. CRISPR can help. But ethics and biosafety are important. The government should invest in open-source, non-patentable strains for community use. Don’t let seeds of the sea become monopolised like Bt Cotton.

What role can policy play in fostering innovation ecosystems around seaweed, including start-ups, incubators, and technology parks?

Policy must move from subsidy to strategy. Set up Seaweed Innovation Hubs in every maritime state—tie them with agri-incubators, IITs, and fisheries institutes. Offer seed funding, tax waivers, and plug-and-play units for youth-led seaweed startups. Let the coastal youth see the sea as a startup zone, not just a struggle zone. Seaweed is not just a marine product; it’s a coastal revolution waiting to happen. But this revolution will only come if policy-makers speak the language of the sea—and listen to its original entrepreneurs: the fisherfolk.