Bangladesh's maritime waters hold a vast wealth of natural seaweed. Experts point to strong potential for planned cultivation of various edible seaweed species, and research has already advanced considerably. Those involved say attention to this could open a new frontier for the blue economy.

The endless sea is not limited to roar and waves; it is an inexhaustible store of resources. Beyond the muddy salt water near the shore, in the depths of clear water, lies a varied resource: seaweed.

In many countries, seaweed is a valuable cash vegetable. In Bangladesh, some small ethnic communities eat sea seaweed as a delicacy. Planned cultivation has also begun, and various research on seaweed is under way under the supervision of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI).

Those involved say the research began in 2016, and the uses and benefits of seaweed are being revealed day by day.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.