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Miracle seaweed helps planet - 10th December 2021

In the waters off the southern coast of India, women are cultivating seaweed, which is seen by scientists as a miracle crop since it's capable of absorbing more carbon dioxide gas than trees.

Authorities are now turning to seaweed farming to help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reverse ocean damage and improve the marine environment.

However, together with these benefits, it also provides livelihoods for coastal communities. It's had a huge impact.

Mutha Muthuvel: "The profit in other jobs is not as much. With seaweed farming, for three months there isn't any returns. But after putting in the hard work, in the fourth month, we collect all the seaweed and we get a lot of profit and we're happy."

The seaweed is farmed in frames and each frame generates 200 kilogrammes in a short, six week period. This community has been able to expand the number of frames they grow from 10 to 50, but being mindful of respecting nature, they choose not to farm during the fish breeding season.

For some, seaweed farming has brought new opportunities.

Lakshmi Murgesan: "Earlier, I used to think I wouldn't be able to educate my children. But after doing this seaweed business, I’ve been able to send my children to college."

Used in medicine, cosmetics, natural fertilizers and fuel, seaweed also plays a part in food processing. Scientists regard seaweed as a miracle crop as it's eco-friendly and can be produced without either land or fresh water.

As well as soaking up carbon dioxide, it also releases oxygen into the marine ecosystem. India's carbon dioxide production is the third highest in the world, so over the next five years, the Indian government is putting $85 million into seaweed farming.

While it offers many benefits, seaweed farming does involve some natural hazards.

Lakshmi Murgesan: "When we go and collect the seaweed, the seabed is quite rocky. And when we walk, we sometimes slip and fall. So we have to be a bit careful. And then there are fish that can bite, that is also one of the dangers."