ICAR-CMFRI’s seaweed technology opens new livelihood avenues for fisherwomen in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant boost to women-led coastal livelihoods, seaweed cultivation using the HDPE raft method developed by the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) was inaugurated at Mangamaripeta village in Visakhapatnam district on January 21.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable and eco-friendly income opportunities for fisherwomen and is being implemented by LIFE Charitable Trust and SeaViz Agri Tech Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Department, ICAR-CMFRI and Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh (ALEAP).

Inaugurating the programme, M. Sribharat, Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam, described seaweed farming as a climate-resilient, environment-friendly and income-generating livelihood for coastal communities. The programme was presided over by Laxman Rao, Joint Director of Fisheries.

A highlight of the event was the distribution of income earned from the pilot trial, with a cheque handed over to participating fisherwomen from the sale of seaweed seedlings, demonstrating the commercial viability of the CMFRI-developed technology.

The initiative showcases CMFRI’s successful transfer of seaweed farming technologies for women’s empowerment, sustainable coastal livelihoods and responsible aquaculture, reinforcing its role in strengthening the blue economy through science-led interventions.