SEAWEED FARMING A SUSTAINABLE SUPERFOOD AND CLIMATE SOLUTION?

Seaweed, often found floating beneath the ocean's surface, has long been a critical resource for coastal communities worldwide.

- By Niharika Sachdeva

INTRODUCTION TO SEAWEED FARMING

Now, in the face of climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, seaweed is making a comeback-not just as a food source, but as a powerful tool for sustainability. Seaweed farming, or seaweed aquaculture, involves cultivating various types of marine algae in shallow waters using ropes or nets suspended between buoys. Unlike traditional crops, seaweed does not require soil, freshwater, or fertilizers. It draws all its nutrients from the ocean, grows rapidly, and helps improve water quality. These traits make seaweed an environmentally friendly crop with vast potential.

THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF SEAWEED

Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, it also contains antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based protein. This makes it an appealing ingredient for health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable diets. In recent years, seaweed has gained popularity in Western markets, especially among those adopting plant-based diets. From sushi to snacks, and even seaweed-based meat alternatives, this once-foreign food is now a staple in many kitchens worldwide.

In India, seaweed is starting to find a place in the culinary world, especially in coastal regions where it has traditionally been used in local dishes. Its nutrient profile makes it ideal for addressing malnutrition, especially in coastal communities, providing an easily accessible, plant-based source of vital nutrients.