Kappaphycus (Red Seaweed)

Kappaphycus alvarezii is the primary commercial seaweed species cultivated in India, prized for its carrageenan content used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Seaweed farming is one of the lowest-cost entry points into aquaculture, requiring minimal infrastructure and providing multiple harvest cycles per year. With India's seaweed market growing at 28% CAGR, this sector offers significant potential especially in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district and parts of Gujarat and Lakshadweep.