by Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with CSIR- CSMCRI and in partnership with NITI Aayog, supported by DST, MOFPI, NBA and CSIR organized India International Seaweed Expo & Summit – a 3 days event from 22-24th Jan 2019 at the World Trade Centre Mumbai, India.

This is the first ever comprehensive initiative focusing on the Seaweed sector. This Expo & the conference will explore the ocean of opportunities in this sunrise sector. The seaweed sector holds immense potential for creating new business opportunities for private sector companies, coastal farmers, R&D institutions etc.

In the Inaugural Session, Mr. Mayank Jalan, Sr. Vice President, ICC welcomed all the dignitaries in the dais and audience. In his speech Mr. Jalan highlighted the huge potential of Seaweed industry as well the usage, i.e. in Food, Medical, Pesticide, Pharmaceutical, Fertilizer sector etc. He also mentioned the current development of Seaweed Industry in India and globally, i.e. USD 26 billion globally. China, Korea and Japan are ahead of Seaweed Industry. India has huge potential to cater the Seaweed Industry in terms of Production, Export and Employment generation. However there is a primary knowledge gap in terms of how to enter into this industry, export assistance etc.

Dr. Amitava Das, Director, CSIR-CSMCRI mentioned in his brief speech that this is the first effort to bring all the stakeholders of Seaweed Industry in one platform. He thoroughly explained the Seaweed parameters and classifications.

Dr. Anil Pratap Singh, Adviser (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, Government of India said that there are only 14-15 companies in India dealing with Seaweed Industry. Government of India wants to promote this sector and NITI Aayog is inviting the proposals from Seaweed Industry to discuss and take that forward.

Guest of Honour, Mr. Mahadev Jagannath Jankar, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra emphasized on the initiative of the State Government to give training for the youth and women as well as to develop the infrastructure for the development of Seaweed Industry in the state.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC gave thanks to all the dignitaries and the invitees to attend and made this initiative a successful one. This is the first International Conference in India on Seaweed Sector organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce, where 14 Seaweed Experts across the globe attended and will deliver, interact their expertise. Dr. Singh mentioned in his speech that Seaweed is the upcoming sunrise sector in India