Seaweed cultivation is fast catching on in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, especially in Ramanathapuram. It is estimated that the annual market value of seaweed (marine algae) is around $6.2 billion.
Seaweeds are a primitive group of plants lacking true roots, stems and leaves. In India, the demand for Carrageenan, a chemical extracted from seaweed, is estimated to be around 1,500 to 2,000 tonne every year.
Currently, this is sourced from Philippines, which controls 70 per cent of the world's market share. The Carrageenan is mainly used as gel in consumer products like tooth paste, and in all cosmetic products. Philippines imports raw seaweeds from India for Carrageenan extract.
“If seaweed cultivation is taken up as a major programme in the country, it would be possible to rehabilitate at least 2,00,000 coastal families and can generate an income of Rs 2,000 crore yearly,” said R Sivakumar, a local supervisor for the Seaweed cultivation.
This business is turning into a cottage industry in Ramanathapuram district. The model was successfully tested by Pepsi, where a person can earn Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 every month, said N Dhanalakshmi, whose family is into cultivation for two years now.
The success story is now being replicated in Kerala, Gujarat and even in Sri Lanka. Pilot projects were also launched a few months ago in Kerala at Aarattuvazhikadappuram in Njarakkal and Poyya in Thrissur.
Experimental farming is also being done at Thangasseri in Kollam district, added Shivakumar.