ABSTRACT
The cultivation technology of Kappaphycus alvarezii in India was developed in the coastal waters of Gulf of Mannar near Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, from 1995 to 2000 by Marine Algal Research Station, Mandapam Camp of Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR), Bhavnagar, and the technology was transferred to PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited in 2001. Dr. P. V. Subba Rao (father of Kappaphycus cultivation in India), the then scientist in charge at CSMCRI- Marine Algal Research Station was instrumental in introducing this seaweed leading to its commercialization. Aquaculture Foundation of India, Chennai, played a key role for commercialization of this cultivation technology by introducing self-help groups. The net annual income per hectare ranged from Rs 8, 50, 000/- (US$12,142.86) to Rs 14,00,000/- (US$20,000.00) depending on the method adopted. Farming of this seaweed would ensure an alternative viable source of livelihood for small scale fisher folk to eradicate their poverty thereby improving their socio-economic standards and also pave the way to establish carrageenan-based industries.
