Seaweed cultivation fails to evoke interest among fishers

The seaweed cultivation has not been successful in Karnataka Coast so far despite the Central government launching financial assistance for it under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identifying 14 locations in Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts as potential areas for seaweed farming in the state.

- VINCENT D'SOUZA @Mangaluru

In 2022-23, two years after the launch of PMMSY, 10 fishers availed the benefit under the scheme and made an attempt to cultivate seaweed in Kumta but in vain. The weeds dried fast due to variation in the saline content in the coastal waters, according to Prathik, senior assistant director of fisheries in Karwar.