Driven by increasing domestic demand, expanding industrial uses, and supportive policies, experts predict India will become a significant player in the global seaweed economy in the next two decades. At the seventh India International Seaweed Expo and Summit, experts highlighted the vast potential of seaweeds in various sectors, positioning them as crucial to India’s blue economy goals. The event, jointly organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, CMFRI, and CSMCRI, showcased the diverse applications of marine algae, from food and cosmetics to bioplastics and climate solutions.
Highlighting the growing market trends, a Belgium-based seaweed industry analyst noted India’s emergence as a key market for seaweed products. With projections suggesting an addition of 600 million people to the middle class in the next 25 years, India is expected to witness a surge in demand for products like carrageenan. India’s segments like seaweed-based biostimulants and plastic alternatives are expanding at a rate of around 10% annually, potentially requiring up to 1.16 million tonnes of seaweed by 2030, raising concerns about global supply.
Experts pointed out that India, with its extensive coastline and focus on the Blue Economy framework, has the potential to scale up commercial seaweed cultivation to meet the growing demand. The expo featured innovative seaweed cultivation technologies, including Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and various cultivation methods, showcasing both native and exotic seaweed species found in Indian waters. Seaweeds not only offer economic benefits but also play a crucial role in climate mitigation by sequestering carbon and enhancing coastal resilience through water quality improvement and biodiversity support.
