Global Red sea algae research foundation in Kumbakonam

 “The Global Red Sea Algae Research Foundation" was inaugurated on June 26, 2023 at Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is a first of its kind initiative in India.  Renowned International Marine Scientist, Dr. Deiva Oswin Stanley, lit the lamp and inaugurated the Organisation. In the opening ceremony, Member of Parliament Mayiladuthurai, Mr. S. Ramalingam and Darumaiyadeenam Kailai Masilamani,  Mr. K. Anbazagan, Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Assembly Evaluation Committee, Mr. Mohan, Chairman, Skywin groups, Mrs. Amudha Mohan,Managing Director, Sunmac Agro and representatives of the leading agricultural and marine institutions were present.

The organisation has agriculture scientists, marine ecologists and biotechnologists, herbal research experts and entrepreneurs on its management committee. More than 800 Red Sea Algae farmers, traders and consumers attended the inauguration.

While speaking  International Marine Scientist, Dr. Deiva Oswin Stanley said “There is huge potential in the global market for red marine algae grown in Indian waters. The global red sea algae trade is a multi-billion dollar market. It is an important natural ingredient in everyday food products, cosmetic products, agricultural inputs, and pharmaceuticals. "It is a great challenge and need to investigate, quantify and catalogue the molecules present in Indian red algae," she said.

The Director of the company Mr. Prashant Mohan said that, for about ten years, Prasmo Agri has been buying 20,000 tonnes of farmed red sea algae from farming groups to produce agricultural inputs and food products. He added that, the Red Sea Algae products are well received both domestically and internationally. The yield and quality of red marine algae grown along the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu have been affected. He said that the livelihood and business of the sea farming people who depend on it are much affected.