Rajkot undergoes beautification drive ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference
Rajkot, January 10
Ahead of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 11, beautification work is underway in the region.
Several walls along the roadside were painted with various designs to enhance the region's beauty ahead of the two-day event.
It is the second edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Kutch and Saurashtra region. The conference will be held in Rajkot from January 10 to 12, alongside the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE), which will take place at the same venue from January 10 to 13, the release said.
The event will offer a strong platform for industries, MSMEs, government bodies, and entrepreneurs across the region. This edition of VGRC will spotlight Kutch's growing success in seaweed farming. Stretching from the Kutch coastline to the deep waters near Devbhumi Dwarka, seaweed cultivation across a 430 km belt is emerging as a fast-expanding sector, boosting coastal livelihoods and strengthening India's blue economy.
Seaweed is a type of marine algae that has been used for centuries for food and medicinal purposes. Seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals (especially iodine), fibre, and antioxidants, which provide benefits such as improved gut health, heart health, thyroid function, and potential weight management. It is used as a nutrient-dense food and as a functional ingredient, offering compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and beneficial for blood sugar regulation.
Seaweed production in Gujarat is steadily rising, and it is emerging as a vital lifeline for coastal communities. During the monsoon fishing ban period, seaweed cultivation provides an important source of income. In 2023-24, Kutch alone cultivated 14 tonnes of seaweed. Women's self-help groups earn Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 per month through cultivation and drying activities.
The release stated that the sector attracts younger generations seeking environmentally sustainable work and helps ease pressure on traditional fishing. To support this growth, coastal communities are being trained in seaweed cultivation. So far, people from 17 villages in Kutch have received training, and regular training sessions are conducted in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Junagadh, and Morbi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see development reaching Saurashtra. But I hope the beautification drive isn't just a temporary coat of paint for the conference. The real beauty will be if the infrastructure and opportunities discussed lead to lasting change for Rajkot and nearby areas.
Seaweed cultivation is a game-changer! Rs. 12-18k per month for women's groups is significant for coastal communities. Attracting the youth to sustainable work is the need of the hour. Jai Gujarat! 🙏
As someone interested in sustainable agriculture, this is fascinating. Gujarat is showing how traditional knowledge (using seaweed for centuries) can be combined with modern cultivation techniques for economic and environmental benefits. Hope other coastal states learn from this.
Vibrant Gujarat conferences always bring positive focus. The training across 17 villages is commendable. However, I hope the benefits of the exhibition and conference trickle down to the smallest MSMEs and not just the big industries.
Painted walls are nice, but the real story is the seaweed! So many health benefits mentioned, and it's creating livelihoods. More power to the women of Kutch! Would love to see Gujarati seaweed products available pan-India soon.
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