Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to develop a comprehensive economic model for seaweed cultivation to enhance income opportunities for women and fishermen in coastal regions.

During a review meeting on seaweed farming, Mr. Naidu said the cultivation of marine algae (seaweed) had to be promoted as a sustainable livelihood option for Self-Help Group (SHG) women.

Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline offered immense potential for large-scale seaweed cultivation and value-added production, he said, asking officials to work with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to prepare a detailed report on seaweed cultivation practices and the income potential for women.

Mr. Naidu said it was important to create value chains for processing seaweed into various products, and instructed officials to take up measures to expand income-generating avenues for SHG women through seaweed cultivation, and ensure commercial-scale production.

Mr. Naidu said seaweed could serve as a key raw material in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. He said national and international markets had to be tapped by setting up a strong ecosystem for production, processing and exports.

Mr. Naidu said seaweed had the potential to create significant wealth and provide sustainable employment, particularly for women in coastal districts.

He interacted virtually with experts and officials from premier Central 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. He sought their inputs on scaling up seaweed farming and on technological support.