Seaweed: This wonder plant is Goa's unexplored treasure

Lakshmi G Sardesai

Did you know Goa's more than 100 km coastline has an abundance of seaweed (known as sargassum).

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Using seaweed in dried form helps in preserving the life and nutrients of fertilizer.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Once out of the water, the seaweed is dried for around a week to get the best form of dried fertilizer. 

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Seaweed is rich in micronutrients which makes it an incredible fertilizer. 'Seaweed tea' fertilizer is made by soaking the seaweed in a bucket of water for at least 4 weeks.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

The seaweed fertilizer can be diluted and used to water outdoor and indoor plants.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

In its dried form, it can be mixed into the soil in a powdered form.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

In coastal Goa, farmers and gardeners have great potential to use seaweed fertilizer to enhance soil quality.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Seaweed can also be used as mulch to help the soil surface to retain moisture and stay cool for a longer time. 

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

Goa has more than 120 species of this womder plant that is edible, and it is also helpful in fighting climate change due to its carbon-absorption property.

Goa coast|Seaweed|Untapped treasure|Wonder plant | Photo: Lakshmi G Sardesai

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