KOCHI: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has transferred seaweed cultivation technology to the Andaman and Nicobar administration, as part of enhancing its consultancy services.
Seaweed cultivation is generally perceived as one of the most environmentally benign mariculture activity.Seaweed is a renewable source of food, energy, chemicals and medicines. It is also the source of various raw materials used in industries such as health, food, medicine, pharmaceutical, textile, fertiliser and animal feed. Seaweeds are also used in the production of agar, alginates and carrageen.
The CMFRI has developed an anti-diabetic nutraceutical - CadalminTM Antidiabetic extract (ADe) - from seaweeds. The product is found to be effective in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. It has also developed Green Algal extract (CadalminTM GAe) from seaweeds, a medicinal product for treatment of inflammatory pain and arthritis.
A feasibility study conducted by CMFRI scientists in the seawater-inundated areas of South Andaman revealed that the region is conducive for seaweed farming. Coastal areas devoid of coral reefs have been selected for seaweed cultivation, so as to protect the environment.As part of transferring technology, the CMFRI imparted training to officials of the Department of Fisheries of Andaman on fabrication of floating rafts with bamboo, tying of seed material on bamboo rafts and their positioning in the sea.