The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 13 October 2026 that it is accelerating the development of the seaweed value chain to create sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Between 2020 and 2027, the government approved projects worth ₹181.11 crore for seaweed development, including a Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and the installation of over 81,000 culture units. The initiative targets fishers and coastal communities, encouraging them to use schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to increase production and income.
Key points
- ₹181.11 crore approved for seaweed development projects between 2020-27
- 37,255 seaweed culture rafts and 44,080 monoline units installed with financial assistance
- 384 suitable sites covering 24,707 hectares identified for cultivation
- Seaweed production grew from 18,890 tonnes in 2015 to 82,728 tonnes in 2025
- Lakshadweep notified as a Seaweed Cluster
When it applies
Counted from 2026-10-13, dated 13 October 2026.
- meeting on seaweed farming at ICAR-CMFRI Regional Centre
- approved projects for seaweed development
- approved projects for seaweed development
Who it affects
- fishers and coastal communities
Refers to
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)