Seaweed is a naturally abundant resource that is highly available and accessible to the people living on Ramanathapuram’s coast. It is also a primary source of income for people living in Tamil Nadu. The men in the state venture deep into the sea, whereas the women collect seaweed closer to shorelines. They indulge themselves in farming seaweed for livelihood as they sell it in two forms – dried seaweed and fresh seaweed. While dried ones are sold for Rs 110-115 per kilogram, fresh ones fetch them Rs 60 per kilogram. However, the lack of rain in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu this year has compelled the fishermen in the state to bear losses by selling seaweed at extremely low prices.
Given the loss and problems being faced by them, they have demanded the government to procure seaweeds, along with rice and sugarcane. Ajmal Khan, one of the fishermen who cultivates seaweed crops, spoke to Local18 about this matter. He said, “This type of Kappaphycus seaweed is highly efficient in increasing soil fertility. This is used by farmers as fertiliser for the crops in the agricultural land, which further results in good yield and profit. Also, the seaweeds help make chocolate, jelly, and toothpaste.”
He further informed, “We have previously exported Kappaphycus sponges to foreign countries; but now, these are being exported to other districts and states within our country as the demand within the nation has increased dramatically.” Ajmal Khan added that the lack of monsoon rains has led the growth of seaweeds to decrease for the last two or three months.
The seaweed fishermen were provided a team of 45 floating bamboo rafts by the fisheries office, which is called seaweed-cultivating rafts. Additionally, the government procures paddy and sugarcane from the farmers. The fishermen have demanded that the government should procure the seaweed this time.
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