Seaweed Biofertilisers Are Emerging as the Next Big Innovation in Sustainable Farming

Seaweed has long been used as a natural soil amendment in coastal regions, but scientists are now developing seaweed-based biofertilisers and biostimulants that can improve crop growth while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Rich in natural plant hormones, amino acids and micronutrients, these products are being adopted in horticulture, cereals and vegetable crops across several countries.

Recent studies show that seaweed extracts help crops tolerate drought, improve nutrient uptake and increase root development, making them an increasingly important tool for climate-resilient farming. Researchers believe seaweed biostimulants could become one of the fastest-growing segments of sustainable agriculture. (frontiersin.org)

Unlike conventional fertilisers that mainly supply nutrients, seaweed-based products also stimulate plant growth.

Natural compounds found in seaweed encourage stronger root systems, improve seedling establishment and help crops recover from environmental stress. Scientists say these biological effects often improve plant performance even when nutrient levels remain unchanged. (frontiersin.org)

Helping Crops Cope With Climate Stress

High temperatures, drought and salinity are becoming major challenges for farmers.

Research suggests that seaweed extracts can improve plants’ ability to cope with these stresses by enhancing water-use efficiency and activating natural defence mechanisms. This makes them particularly valuable for regions experiencing erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.

Seaweed products also contribute to healthier soils.

They stimulate beneficial microbial activity around plant roots and improve soil structure over time. Researchers believe combining seaweed biostimulants with compost and biofertilisers can strengthen soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

This approach fits well with regenerative and organic farming systems.

India has a long coastline and abundant seaweed resources, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The government is already promoting seaweed cultivation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to support coastal livelihoods.

The next opportunity is to expand the use of Indian-made seaweed biostimulants in agriculture. States growing high-value crops such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Kerala could benefit from wider adoption, especially in horticulture, vegetables and fruit crops.

Greater collaboration between ICAR institutes, startups and seaweed producers could help develop affordable products suited to Indian farming conditions.

A Blue Economy Opportunity for Agriculture

Seaweed biofertilisers show how agriculture and the blue economy can work together.

For coastal communities, they create a new market for cultivated seaweed. For farmers, they offer a sustainable way to improve crop performance while reducing chemical inputs. As climate change increases pressure on agriculture, seaweed-based biostimulants are emerging as a practical innovation that benefits both farming and the environment.