ICAR-CMFRI Empowers Fisherwomen through Seaweed Farming Capacity Building at Mandapam
Two-day training on “Seaweed Farming” was conducted during 14-15 July 2026 at the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). Training and skill development is one of the mandates under the ‘Centre of Excellence’ to improve the skills of fishers in seaweed farming. The funding agency for the programme was READ Foundation, Pudukkottai. A total of 15 fisherwomen and 11 fishermen from Arasanagaripattinam village of Pudukkottai district benefitted in this programme. Participants were imparted practical experience through visits to Seaweed Plantlet Production Unit and other mariculture facilities. The topics included in technical sessions were cultivation of seaweed, IMTA, management of jellyfish stings at their work place in inshore waters, value addition, production of biostimulants, and seaweed for food and health. Scientists of ICAR-CMFRI made interacted with the trainees and provided necessary inputs.
On the second day, the participants were taken to the Marine Hatchery Complex for training on pond-based seaweed farming techniques. A visit to the seaweed farm at Munaikadu gave the trainees practical exposure of Monoline Method, Bamboo Raft Method, and Tube-net Method of seaweed farming. The participants interacted with successful seaweed farmers and gained firsthand knowledge on farming techniques, economics, and challenges. A visit to the seaweed processing unit of M/s. Marine Elixir, Mandapam helped in learning post-harvest processing and value addition methods.
Edible seaweed farming and utilisation was another important area covered in this training programme. Participants were fully involved in interactive discussion sessions, practical demonstration, and field visits during the training programme. The feedback received from the trainees showed that this programme greatly improved their knowledge and skills in seaweed farming, processing, and entrepreneurship. Through this training program, the capacity of coastal stakeholders were improved and seaweed farming as a mariculture activity with environmental sustainability and economic feasibility will be promoted.
Inauguration of the training programme and certificate distribution during valedictory was made by Dr. K. Vinod, Principal Scientist & Head, Mandapam Regional Centre. The Convenors for the training programme were Dr. Johnson, B., Senior Scientist, Dr. Vikas, P.A., Senior Scientist and Dr. M. Sankar, Scientist.
