Farming seaweed: the miracle crop

Working in the warm waters off India's southern coast, women are involved in seaweed cultivation: a crop being hailed by scientists as an eco-miracle thanks to its ability to soak up more carbon dioxide than trees.

Such is its potential that authorities realise it can mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, counter oceanic acidification and boost the marine environment. At the same time, seaweed production also generates a sustainable income source for marginalised coastal communities.

Mutha Muthuvel: "The profit in other jobs is not as much. With seaweed farming, for three months there isn't any returns. But after putting in the hard work, in the fourth month, we collect all the seaweed and we get a lot of profit and we're happy."

It’s cultivated in bamboo frames, which each yield approximately 200 kilogrammes every one and a half months. Despite the fact that this community has increased production by 400 percent, farmers take pains to stay in tune with nature and avoid harvesting during the fish breeding season.

For some, this new livelihood has enabled them to carry out plans which were previously unimaginable.

Lakshmi Murgesan: "Earlier, I used to think I wouldn't be able to educate my children. But after doing this seaweed business, I’ve been able to send my children to college."

Having no need for either land or fresh water supplies, and with its knack for mopping up carbon dioxide whilst oxygenating the marine environment, the so-called miracle crop boasts indisputably green credentials.

A crucial component in medicine, cosmetics, bio fertilisation and biofuels, algae are also involved in food processing. It's been discovered that including red seaweed in animal feed helps reduce their methane production as well.

Since India is the third largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the Indian government has announced an $85 million subsidy for algaculture initiatives over the forthcoming five years.

Lakshmi Murgesan: "When we go and collect the seaweed, the seabed is quite rocky. And when we walk, we sometimes slip and fall. So we have to be a bit careful. And then there are fish that can bite, that is also one of the dangers." View Less