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Rajkot Gets Makeover for Vibrant Gujarat Conference, Spotlights Seaweed Boom

Rajkot is undergoing a beautification drive ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate. The event will prominently feature the success of seaweed farming along Gujarat's Kutch coast, a sector expanding across a 430 km belt. This cultivation is proving to be a vital economic lifeline, providing significant income for women's self-help groups, especially during fishing ban periods. Training programs are actively supporting this growth across multiple coastal districts.

Key Points: Vibrant Gujarat Conference in Rajkot to Spotlight Seaweed Farming Growth

  • Rajkot beautification drive ahead of conference
  • PM Modi to inaugurate the two-day event
  • Conference to spotlight Kutch's seaweed farming success
  • Seaweed sector provides crucial income, especially for women's groups
  • Cultivation training expanding across coastal Gujarat districts
2 min read

Rajkot undergoes beautification drive ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference

Ahead of PM Modi's inauguration, Rajkot undergoes beautification for Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, highlighting Kutch's thriving seaweed sector.

"Seaweed cultivation... is emerging as a fast-expanding sector, boosting coastal livelihoods and strengthening India's blue economy. - Official Release"

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

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
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.
A
Aman W
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! 🙏
S
Sarah B
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.
K
Karthik V
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.
N
Nisha Z
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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