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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Economic viability of selected seaweed farming techniques in Coastal India

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11244
Submitted
12 August 2025
Published
13-07-2026

Abstract

Seaweed farming is gaining importance in India’s blue economy due to its potential to provide sustainable livelihoods and environmental benefits. The country’s coastal waters, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, are suitable for cultivating commercially important species such as Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis. This study was undertaken to assess the economic performance of selected seaweed farming methods and identify the most profitable options for coastal communities. Primary data were collected from 180 farmers, 90 each from Mandapam taluk in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu and the Visakhapatnam coast of Andhra Pradesh covering establishment cost, operational expenses, yields and revenues. The analysis compared multiple cultivation systems, including raft-based bamboo, tube nets, monoline and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rafts, using indicators such as net returns, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and return on investment (ROI). Results showed that raft-based bamboo culture for K. alvarezii (BCR 3.60) and for G. edulis (BCR 3.48) were the most profitable, offering high returns with relatively low operational complexity. Species-specific differences in performance were influenced by environmental conditions, farming system suitability and no input requirements. Monoline methods were moderately profitable for K. alvarezii but less suitable for G. edulis, while HDPE rafts yielded lower returns due to high initial costs. The study concludes that matching species to appropriate cultivation systems can significantly enhance profitability. Expanding seaweed farming in India will require improved seed supply, targeted training and better market linkages to strengthen its role in coastal livelihood security and marine conservation.

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