The Hindu Business Line : PepsiCo, AP Dept of Fisheries pilot project on seaweed

PepsiCo, the Andhra Pradesh Department of Fisheries and Biotechnology, have jointly undertaken a pilot project to provide alternative livelihood to about 10,000 families of fishermen.

Under the project, seaweed (Eucheuma Cottonii), a natural gel for food, and ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry would be grown in the coastal region, according to the Annual Report 2005 of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Pepsi will provide the technology and train the fishermen. It would also buyback the dried seaweed from them. Necessary permissions are being obtained to ground the project. The initial investment per raft is Rs 360, including the seed. Average production per day (dried) per raft is 25 kg.

While the current procurement price is Rs 7.50 per kg, the incomes vary between Rs 2,500-3,000 per month depending on the productivity and consistency of labour and weather. Pepsi has already posted a scientist to monitor and guide the fishermen. When the project assumes scale, the company will invest in a processing plant, the report said.

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