1. What is seaweed farming?
Seaweed farming is the cultivation of marine macroalgae in controlled conditions for commercial purposes including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
2. Which seaweed species are grown in Sri Lanka?
Main species include Gracilaria edulis (red seaweed), Kappaphycus alvarezii (cottonii), Eucheuma denticulatum (spinosum), and Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce).
3. How much investment is needed to start?
Initial investment for 0.5 hectare: Rs. 150,000-200,000 including ropes, floats, anchors, and seedlings. ROI can be 200-300% annually.
4. What is the cultivation period?
Most species require 45-60 days per harvest cycle. You can achieve 6-8 harvests per year depending on species and conditions.
5. Which areas are suitable for cultivation?
Coastal areas of Puttalam, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Kalpitiya with clean water, moderate waves, and 2-10m depth.
6. What are the main cultivation methods?
Floating raft method, fixed off-bottom method, longline system, and land-based pond culture are the main techniques used.
7. How much can I earn from seaweed farming?
Wet seaweed: Rs. 10-15/kg, Dried seaweed: Rs. 60-100/kg. A 0.5 hectare farm can produce 30-40 tons wet seaweed per year.
8. Do I need a license for seaweed farming?
Yes, you need a NAQDA cultivation permit and area allocation. Environmental clearance may be required for large-scale operations.
9. Where can I get seedlings?
NAQDA provides quality seedlings at Rs. 5-10 per kg. Private nurseries and established farmers also supply planting material.
10. What are the water quality requirements?
Salinity: 30-35 ppt, Temperature: 26-30°C, pH: 7.5-8.5, Clear water with good sunlight penetration, moderate water movement.
11. What financial support is available?
NAQDA provides 50% subsidy on infrastructure (up to Rs. 500,000), low-interest loans at 4%, and free technical training.
12. How to prevent grazing by fish?
Use net enclosures, cultivate in areas with fewer herbivorous fish, or choose cultivation depths that minimize grazing pressure.
13. What is the drying process?
Sun drying on clean mats or platforms for 2-3 days until moisture content reaches 10-15%. Proper drying ensures better price and storage.
14. What are the market opportunities?
Export markets for carrageenan and agar industries, local food processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and organic fertilizer production.
15. Can seaweed farming be integrated with other activities?
Yes, it can be integrated with fish farming, sea cucumber culture, tourism (eco-tourism), and coastal protection initiatives.
16. What training does NAQDA provide?
Basic cultivation (3 days), advanced techniques, post-harvest processing, value addition, and business management training programs.
17. How to handle diseases and pests?
Regular monitoring, removing affected portions, maintaining optimal water quality, and using disease-resistant varieties help prevent issues.
18. What is ice-ice disease?
A bacterial infection causing white discoloration in Kappaphycus. Prevented by maintaining water quality and avoiding high-density cultivation.
19. What is the environmental impact?
Seaweed farming is eco-friendly: absorbs CO2, provides oxygen, improves water quality, creates fish habitat, and requires no fertilizers or freshwater.
20. How to contact NAQDA for support?
Hotline: 1920, WhatsApp: +94 77 456 7890, Email: seaweed@naqda.gov.lk, or visit nearest NAQDA regional center.
