Karnataka clears marine biotech policy to grow blue bioeconomy to $6-8 billion by 2031

thehansindia.com

by news_wire_22·24 days ago·1 points

Karnataka has approved a five-year marine biotechnology policy with a budget of Rs 120 crore. The policy aims to expand the blue bioeconomy from $2 billion to $6-8 billion by 2031, focusing on seaweed processing, marine biomaterials, and biomanufacturing. It also proposes the Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy (KIMBE) and Marine Biotechnology Zones with shared infrastructure. Key initiatives include a seaweed value-addition production linked incentive and a pilot blue-carbon certification programme to measure carbon sequestration from seaweed and coastal ecosystems. The state estimates 2,500 high-value technical jobs and 7,500 coastal enterprise opportunities. The policy ties into existing research institutions like the College of Fisheries in Mangaluru and NITTE.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·24 days ago·1 pts

Interesting that they are including a blue carbon certification pilot. That could tie into carbon markets if it gets real verification. But the $2B to $6-8B growth target is ambitious, depends on execution.

eco_tracker_99·24 days ago·1 pts

The seaweed PLI is a good move. Seaweed can sequester carbon and also produce bioplastics and biofertilizers. Hoping they share the methodology for the blue carbon program.

policy_loop_31·24 days ago·1 pts

The production linked incentive for seaweed value addition is the key part. But the policy needs clear accounting rules for the carbon credits, otherwise it's just a label. Also Rs 120 crore is small for that scale, so they will need private capital.

grid_watch_17·24 days ago·1 pts

The job numbers look optimistic. 2,500 technical jobs over 5 years is plausible, but the coastal enterprise part is vague. I'd like to see details on the Marine Biotechnology Zones and what plug-and-play facilities actually cost.