Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 April 2025
A one-day Seaweed Workshop was organized on 25th April 2025, by the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration in collaboration with NIOT-ACOSTI at the NIOT campus in Dollygunj. The event was graced by Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, who attended as the Chief Guest.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 55 stakeholders, including members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), local entrepreneurs, and officials from the Department of Fisheries, Rural Development Department, NABARD, and other agencies. Scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and an official from the Department of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu also joined the event virtually.
Commending the Department of Fisheries for its efforts in promoting seaweed cultivation, Mr. Sharma highlighted the sector’s vast potential in providing an additional source of income for SHG members and coastal communities. He emphasized the importance of bringing together key stakeholders like NIOT, NABARD, and ICAR-CMFRI on a common platform to unlock opportunities in the largely untapped seaweed sector.
Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries, welcomed the gathering and reiterated the department’s commitment to involving local communities in seaweed farming initiatives. She informed the participants about ongoing efforts to implement seaweed cultivation models in the islands under various government schemes and motivated stakeholders to explore this promising sector.
The Officer-in-Charge of NIOT-ACOSTI shared insights into the institute’s ongoing research and commitment towards capacity building and product development in the field of seaweed cultivation. He also stressed NIOT-ACOSTI’s role in empowering the coastal community.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Gurjeet Kaur, Block Development Officer, Prothrapur Block, encouraged SHG members to make the most of the training and capacity-building opportunities offered through the workshop.
During the technical sessions, Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director of Fisheries, provided an overview of the basic concepts and applications of seaweed cultivation. Dr. Vinod and Dr. B. Johnson from ICAR-CMFRI delivered virtual sessions focusing on culture techniques for commercially important seaweed species, particularly Gracilaria edulis. Dr. M. Savurirajan, Scientist at NIOT-ACOSTI, spoke on value addition and product development opportunities using seaweed.
Mr. Rahul Damari, DGM, NABARD, briefed participants on the financial assistance available for coastal entrepreneurs and SHG members, while Mr. Pradeep, Deputy Director from the Department of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu, shared a successful commercial model of seaweed cultivation from the state.
The practical session featured hands-on demonstrations by NIOT-ACOSTI scientists on raft fabrication and seed inoculation techniques. The workshop concluded with an interactive session, distribution of certificates to participants, and a vote of thanks.
The workshop marked a significant step toward raising awareness and building capacity for sustainable seaweed cultivation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aiming to create new livelihood opportunities and boost economic development in coastal communities.