Fri Aug 01 11:10:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Puducherry government, in collaboration with the Central Marine Fisheries Institute (CMFRI), is launching a pilot project for seaweed farming in the Union Territory. This initiative, funded with ₹50 lakh, aims to boost the blue economy, provide alternative income for coastal communities (especially fisherwomen), and promote sustainable mariculture practices. The project includes cultivating *Kappaphycus alvarezii* seaweed at four sites using tube-net techniques combined with open sea cage farming. Training has been provided by CMFRI to beneficiaries on all aspects of seaweed farming, and the first harvest is expected in October. Seaweed is recognized as a nutrient source and carbon sequester, making this initiative important for environmental sustainability.
**News Article:**
**Puducherry Launches Seaweed Farming Pilot to Boost Economy and Sustainability**
**PUDUCHERRY, August 1, 2025** – The Union Territory of Puducherry is diving into seaweed farming with the launch of a pilot project aimed at bolstering the local economy and promoting sustainable marine practices. In collaboration with the Central Marine Fisheries Institute (CMFRI)-ICAR, Mandapam, the government is investing ₹50 lakh to establish seaweed cultivation sites in Karaikal and Puducherry.
The initiative, which aligns with the Central government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), seeks to create job opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly fisherwomen. Eight High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) seaweed rafts, integrated with sea cages, have already been deployed at Karukkalacherry and Pattinachery in Karaikal. Additional rafts will soon be deployed in Pudukuppam and Pannithittu in Puducherry.
“This project is a significant step towards strengthening our blue economy,” stated D. Manikandan, Secretary to Fisheries. “By integrating seaweed farming with open sea cage farming, we can maximize resource utilization and provide local fisherfolk with a sustainable and profitable income source.”
The project will utilize bamboo raft and tube-net techniques for cultivating *Kappaphycus alvarezii*, a highly sought-after seaweed variety. CMFRI has provided comprehensive training to beneficiaries on various aspects of seaweed farming, from cage preparation to disease management.
Beyond economic benefits, seaweed farming offers critical environmental advantages. An official from CMFRI emphasized the importance of seaweed as a nutrient source and carbon sequester, contributing to mitigating environmental degradation and balancing the marine ecosystem. The first harvest is anticipated in October, marking a significant milestone for the project and the region.
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