The “Workshop on Production of Seaweed-Based Products,” held on May 4th, 2024, at the Seminar Hall of the School of Agriculture and Animal Science, GRI, marked a significant milestone in the exploration and promotion of seaweed-based solutions among students. This workshop is supported by the Startup Project on Production of Seaweed-Based Plant Growth Promoters and Edible Coating Blends and the event garnered enthusiastic participation from 33 students from the School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences.

Dr. T. Kalaiselvi’s welcome address set the tone for the event, highlighting the pivotal role of the workshop in aligning with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), particularly in empowering youth and fisherfolk through the avenues of seaweed startups.

Dr. S. Kavitha Maithiy’s Presidential address further underscored the significance of innovative projects like this within the realm of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and related endeavors, emphasizing their potential in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and driving sustainable innovation.

The Inaugural address by Dr. M. Sundaramari provided a comprehensive overview of the agricultural sector’s current landscape and the imperative need for sustainable practices. Specifically, Dr. Sundaramari elaborated on the role of seaweed-based plant growth promoters in fostering ecological balance and productivity enhancement within agriculture.

Dr. T. Kalaiselvi, in her detailed elucidation of the workshop’s objectives, not only shed light on the transformative potential of seaweed-based products but also provided insights into the broader scope of the workshop’s goals. 

The technical sessions, skillfully facilitated by experts in the field, notably Dr. A. Thahira Banu, Principal Investigator, and Assistant Professor, were characterized by their depth of knowledge and interactive nature. Dr. Thahira, drawing from her extensive 25-year expertise in seaweed-based food product development, imparted invaluable insights into the nuances of commercializing seaweed products. Her session was instrumental in fostering meaningful dialogue and ideation among the participants, providing them with practical strategies and tools to navigate the complexities of product development and market entry.

The subsequent session, led by Dr. R. Ramasubbu, Co-Principal Investigator, and Assistant Professor, delved into the technical intricacies of the Seaweed Startup Project. Through a detailed exposition of the project’s objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes, Dr. Ramasubbu equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope and potential impact on the industry.

The workshop concluded with a visit to the startup lab, where participants were afforded a firsthand experience of the production processes involved in seaweed-based products. This experiential learning opportunity not only reinforced theoretical knowledge but also instilled a sense of confidence and readiness to venture into the realm of seaweed-based entrepreneurship.

In summation, the workshop served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaborative learning in the production of seaweed-based products. Its alignment with the goals of the PMMSY and broader agricultural development initiatives underscores its significance in catalyzing innovation and sustainable growth within the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Through empowering youth with the requisite skills and insights, the workshop lays a strong foundation for future endeavors in seaweed-based entrepreneurship, driving positive change and progress in the field.