Seaweed Economy Model to Boost Coastal Women’s Incomes
Naidu asked officials to collaborate with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and submit a detailed report on training and promoting seaweed cultivation among women.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive economic model aimed at generating sustainable income for women through seaweed cultivation, value addition and allied marine products along AP’s coastline.
Reviewing the prospects of seaweed farming for Self-Help Group women and fishermen in coastal regions, the CM said Andhra Pradesh has vast potential for large-scale seaweed cultivation owing to its long coastline. The initiative should be developed into a commercially viable livelihood model capable of creating substantial employment opportunities for women.
He asked officials to formulate plans that would help SHG women enhance their income through seaweed cultivation and processing activities. Seaweed, he said, could emerge as a key marine resource for wealth creation in the state if supported with proper infrastructure, market linkages and value-added production.
The CM also held virtual discussions with senior officials of premier central government research institutions, including the central salt and marine chemicals research institute, the national institute of ocean technology, the central institute of brackishwater aquaculture and the central marine fisheries research institute on the opportunities and technical feasibility of seaweed farming in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu asked officials to collaborate with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and submit a detailed report on training and promoting seaweed cultivation among women. He specifically called for the preparation of a structured economic model outlining revenue generation, cultivation methods, production costs and market opportunities associated with seaweed farming.
The state, he said, should focus not only on cultivation but also on value addition and manufacturing of diversified products from seaweed. Officials must to explore partnerships with national and international organisations to facilitate commercial-scale production and marketing.
Highlighting the growing global demand for marine-based products, Naidu noted that seaweed is a crucial raw material for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. He expressed hope that AP could tap international markets by developing a strong seaweed-based industrial ecosystem.