Seaweed Farming Success in Lakshadweep, India

A pilot seaweed farming enterprise in Lakshadweep, an archipelago off the coast of Kerala in India, has been a huge success. The farm, which was initially launched in Chetlath, one of the smaller islands in Lakshadweep, has expanded to 30 plots with 3,000 net tubes. The first harvest yielded nearly 15 tonnes in 45 days, and subsequent harvests have been done every 30-45 days. The farm has also been expanded to the neighbouring atolls of Kiltan and Kadmat.

Women have been the main workforce on the seaweed farm, with some employed from local self-help groups to carry out various farm activities, such as preparing tube nets, seeding, and harvesting. The program has generated nearly 3,000 working days during the eight-month period, with an average daily earning of Rs 380 (£3.64).

The success of the pilot seaweed farming enterprise is due to a number of factors, including:

* The strong support of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) and the Lakshadweep Administration
* The use of commercially important, indigenous seaweed species, such as Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera
* The training of local people in seaweed farming
* The establishment of seaweed hatcheries, seed reserves, seaweed health monitoring facilities, and incubation facilities for mariculture

The success of the pilot seaweed farming enterprise is expected to have a number of benefits for Lakshadweep, including:

* Increased income for local communities
* Improved food security
* Increased employment opportunities
* Reduced environmental impact of fishing

The ICAR-CMFRI is working with the NITI Ayog, the Government of India, and the Lakshadweep Administration to generate scientific information, build skills, provide technical support services, and draw policy guides for sustainable and inclusive seaweed enterprise development in the island territory.

Seaweed farming is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to produce food and other products.** Seaweed is a fast-growing crop that does not require freshwater or fertilizer. It can also help to improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The success of the pilot seaweed farming enterprise in Lakshadweep is a model for other coastal communities around the world. Seaweed farming has the potential to be a major source of food, income, and environmental benefits for coastal communities.