New import guidelines issued to promote live seaweed industry in India

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has announced new guidelines for the import of live seaweeds into India. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance the development of seaweed enterprises, fostering economic growth in coastal villages, improving livelihood sustainability, and enhancing the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities—all while emphasizing environmental protection and biosecurity.

Streamlining High-Quality Seed Materials for Seaweed Enterprises :

The new guidelines aim to simplify the process of importing high-quality seed materials or germplasm, ensuring that quality seed stocks are readily available in the country. Currently, the growth of seaweed enterprises in India faces challenges, including a lack of sufficient seed availability for commercially important species and quality degradation in Kappaphycus, the most commonly cultivated seaweed species.

Targeting 1.12 Million Tonnes of Seaweed Production by 2025 :

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship initiative of the Government of India, the goal is to revolutionize the seaweed sector by increasing production to 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. To achieve this, several measures have been implemented, including the establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, with a total investment of ₹127.7 crores.

Creating New Opportunities and Boosting Exports :

These guidelines are expected to stimulate seaweed farming, ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic development. The import of new seaweed strains will also encourage research and development, leading to increased production of various seaweed species. This initiative will create new livelihood opportunities in villages and enhance the country’s overall export capacity.

Read More... How to Apply Online for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Import Procedure for Seaweeds in India :

Importers looking to bring live seaweeds into India can submit a detailed application to the relevant department, which will be reviewed by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters. Once approved, the department will issue an import permit within four weeks, facilitating the import of high-quality seaweed germplasm. The Ministry of Fisheries encourages all stakeholders, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, to take advantage of these new opportunities and contribute to the growth of the seaweed industry.