Inaugural Session

The inaugural session was graced by Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs, who emphasized the need to significantly increase seaweed production in India. Describing seaweed as a “sunrise sector,” the Minister noted that while global seaweed production exceeds 35 million tonnes, India currently contributes less than 1% of the total, indicating enormous potential for growth.

He highlighted that India’s seaweed production has increased from around 18,000 tonnes in 2015 to nearly 74,000 tonnes in 2024, demonstrating steady progress in the sector. The Minister also pointed out that the NITI Aayog Seaweed Policy reflects the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening the seaweed ecosystem and promoting sustainable development.

Encouraging students and young researchers to explore start-up opportunities in this emerging field, he urged academic institutions to actively support innovation and entrepreneurship in seaweed-based industries. He also assured continued government support for initiatives aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the sector.

Shri Kurian further mentioned that a Seaweed Park has been established in Tamil Nadu, and initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are supporting seaweed cultivation and value chain development across the country.

Highlighting the broader maritime economy, the Minister noted that India’s Blue Economy is growing at nearly 9% annually, while Asia accounts for about 97% of global seaweed production, led by countries such as China, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Dignitaries Present

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries including:

• Prof. (Dr.) A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor, KUFOS
• Shri K. Babu, Hon’ble MLA, Thrippunithura
• Shri Abdul Nasar IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala
• Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad
• Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR–CIFT, Kochi
• Dr. Shine Kumar C. S., Director, NIFPHATT, Kochi
• Prof. K. Padmakumar, President, SRUA, Tamil Nadu
• Prof. (Dr.) K. Dinesh, Registrar, KUFOS
• Prof. (Dr.) Radhika Rajasree S. R., KUFOS
• Dr. R. S. Maheshkumar, Director, CMLRE
• Shri Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD
• Dr. Sureshkumar C, General Secretary, CISSA

All speakers emphasized the strategic importance of seaweed as an emerging marine bioresource that can contribute significantly to nutrition security, climate action, sustainable aquaculture, and coastal livelihoods, aligning with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.