Seaweed cultivation in Orissa was started for the first time in the coastal villages of Ganjam by fisherwomen, mainly members of self help groups (SHG).

Known as “Green Micro Finance Project”, jointly implemented by Nabard and Orissa Rural Reconstruction Association (ORRA), a NGO was launched at Langaleswar in Khallikote block last week for seaweed cultivation, particularly the red algae on commercial basis.

High demand

“As the red algae is in much demand in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, we hope the lower income group (LIG) of the coastal villages, particularly the fishermen, will get an extra income with the cultivation of this seaweed,” said Ms Smita Sucharita Nayak, Executive Director of ORRA.

The seaweed demand is increasing worldwide as its extracts are widely used in toothpaste, ice-cream, textile printing, teeth filling, cosmetics, tissue culture, plywood, packaging and several other industries. Bio fuel can also be made from it, said Ms Nayak.

“Investment in the cultivation is less, but profit is high,” she said, adding it also helps combat global warming.

Cultivation of red algae would be easy as it was available wildly in Parikuda area inside the Chilika lake, she said.

Harvest will be made 45 days after cultivation. ORRA has made an agreement with M.S. Swaminathan Foundation to buy all the dry red algae harvested by womenfolk in the area.

“It will provide an alternative livelihood for fishermen families when the fish landing in Chilika is dwindling,” said MLA of Khallikote, Mr P.C. Sethi.

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