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(Created page with "<div> <div class="title"><h1>8.21 - Use of snackfood, cigarette, alcohol dealers to sell inputs to farmers</h1><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Mitchell van Schepen, University of Guelph, Canada</h3></div> <div class="ch-navber" style="display: flex; justify-content: space-between;"> <div class="center-side" style="max-width: 100%;margin-right: 3%;"> <div style="margin-top: 30px;"> <h3 class="title-bg">Background</h3> <div class="cont-bg"> <p>Th...")
 
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  <div class="title"><h1>8.21 - Use of snackfood, cigarette, alcohol dealers to sell inputs to farmers</h1><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Mitchell van Schepen, University of Guelph, Canada</h3></div>
  <div class="title"><h3>8.21-Seaweed Value Addition</h3><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Yu Bi , University of Guelph, Canada </h3></div>
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<p>Suggested citation for this chapter.</p>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Background</h3>
<p>Bi,Y. (2022) Seaweed Value Addition,In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org</p>
      <h3 class="title-bg">Introduction</h3>
        <div class="cont-bg">
          <P>Seaweed is a colloquial term referring to a variety of marine plants and algae including red algae, brown algae and green algae.  It has been widely recognized as food for human consumption, and meanwhile there is growing attention on the usage of seaweed as crop fertilizers.  In 2003, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimated the total value of production of seaweed at US $6 billion of which US $5 billion represented food consumption.  Seaweed production in the marine industry has brought nations significant economic benefits.  The utilization of raw seaweed comes either from seaweed farms or seaweed harvested from the wild.  As wild seaweed production can be anywhere on the coastline or in the ocean, the majority of farmed seaweed production comes from China (60%), Southeast Asia, Indonesia (21%), Philippines (9%) and Malaysia (1%) according to FAO (FAO, 2003).  As a type of marine resource, seaweed farming plays a significant role in improving the lives of smallholder farmers, because it can be performed as an alternative to fish for increasing income (Hehre and Meeuwig, 2016).  Despite the desired global market and growing demand for seaweed products, subsistence farmers still predominate in southeast Asia with respect to farmed seaweed production.  Finding possible and realistic solutions for subsistence farmers working in this industry is needed other than selling only the raw commodity.</p> 
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Adding value to seaweed production</h3>
         <div class="cont-bg">
         <div class="cont-bg">
          <p>The world’s 1 billion women and girls participating in subsistence farming pull weeds by hand to improve their crops and also collect firewood for cooking, resulting in their hands becoming rough and sore (Figure 1). This can be caused by wood splinters being lodged into their skin (Schaffner, 2013). Pulling weeds for hours on end can peel away layers of skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The hands of those farmers can also become dirty and smelly from planting seeds in the soil or spreading manure by hand. To avoid the common aforementioned problems as well as hand injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, they could wear gloves on their hands, see the second picture, (Schaffner, 2013). Gloves are very common in the modern world and can be used for construction, farming, and medical practices. Gloves provide a durable layer between the skin on your hands and whatever you are working with (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). There are a few different materials used to make gloves, along with different sizes and grips. With over one billion women and girls working on farms around the world, this grueling work can be made safer and more efficient when wearing gloves.</p>


          <p>Rubber and cloth are the two main kinds of gloves produced (Melco, 2016). They both have their own benefits and drawbacks respectively. A benefit from rubber gloves is their ability to resist water from coming in contact with a farmer's skin, see part two, (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). While cloth gloves can be beneficial because they can draw moisture away from their hands and can be easily washed to be cleaned. Because rubber gloves are usually meant to be disposed of after single use they tend to be cheaper to make and thus cheaper to buy. Yet some rubber gloves can be made thicker to reuse and are slightly more durable (Melco, 2016). Cloth gloves are designed to be washed after being used and last a long time under normal working conditions.</p>
<p>Liquid seaweed extract</p>
 
<p><i>Seaweed as bio-stimulants</i></p>
          <p>Along with the different materials gloves are made of, there are also different arm lengths. Some gloves are cut off just in front or around the wrist. While others can be up to and over the elbow and everywhere in between (Melco, 2016). The benefits of the shorter gloves is comfort, no bunching around wrist or elbow, and they can be quickly put on or removed. The benefits of the long gloves are more protection, the entire forearm will be covered. All the while there is less of a chance of getting debris in their gloves because the opening is farther away from what you are working with. Farmers can also work in deeper water or mud with the long rubber gloves without getting your hands wet.</p>
<p>As the attention to less usage of artificial fertilizer and pesticides grows, researchers have been turning their attention to finding substitutes from nature.  Seaweed extract has been added to soil to improve yields since the extracts act as plant growth regulators and increase plant uptake of inorganic substances from soil. It has been shown to be effective as natural fertilizers (Kocira et al. 2018, Hernández-Herrera et al. 2014 and Basavaraja et al. 2018). Kocira et al. also looked at the increased nutritional value of the crops applied with seaweed extract containing bio-stimulants (2018). Promising outcomes confirmed the market value of seaweed extract.</p>
 
[[File:Capture780.JPG]]
          <p>When working with smooth items such as hoes and some fruits and vegetables they can be slippery (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). A way to help farmer's hold on to the tools is to get gloves with grips (Melco, 2016). Both rubber and cloth gloves can have grips. Rubber gloves will have ridges in the molds to form grips and granular materials can be added to the outside before drying (Melco, 2016). Another option is to make the rubber gloves out of a non-slip rubber (Melco, 2016). Because cloth alone does not provide grip, cloth gloves must be dipped in liquid rubber to be able to grip smooth objects. The rubber used for grips on cloth gloves can either be non-slip smooth rubber or be rigid (Melco, 2016). </p>
<p><i>Production of liquid seaweed extract</i></p>
    </div>
<p>Seaweed is very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are macronutrients that plants require for optimal growth, and thus liquid seaweed extract could be implemented as crop fertilizers. Nowadays, liquid seaweed extract is either directly sprayed on the plants or on soil. Often liquid seaweed extract is produced in a concentrated form and then diluted prior to usage.  There are two easy steps for making liquid seaweed extract (Zodape, 2001). First, seaweeds (e.g. brown algae) are chopped into pieces and then boiled in distilled water, and depending on the ratio of seaweed and boiled water, the concentration will vary. Producing liquid seaweed extract powder makes transporting products easier, and it is added to water proportionally based on the concentration needed. However, the process of turning liquid seaweed extract to powder requires expensive drying machinery with vacuum treatment, and this method would not be quite practical for subsistence farmers to practice.</p>
<p><i>Cost analysis of production</i></p>
<p>It is realistic for subsistence farmers to implement these value additions for multiple reasons.  First, little educational background is required. The required equipment cost is low, and the labour needs are minor. Packaging and transporting the liquid seaweed extract would increase the cost of production; nevertheless, well packaged products are able to be sold in greater number and increase the range of the market. This practice is possible to implement without electricity since heat can be generated by old fashion fire. However, heat treatment and boiling increase the safety concerns for subsistence farmers, especially women and children.</p>
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   </div>
 
<div style="margin-top: 30px;">
  <div style="margin-top: 30px;">
       <h3 class="title-bg">2. Seaweed production as food/snacks</h3>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Physical Protection</h3>
         <div class="cont-bg">
         <div class="cont-bg">
          <p>Protection is the main benefit from using gloves. Repetitive motions, such as when pounding grain, can cause irritation to the skin. When collecting firewood the sticks and logs can scratch or cut the skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). Weeds can be rough and by scratching their hands many times they can become cut and sore (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). By lifting and pulling heavy items the top layer of your skin will separate from the next, causing a blister, by wearing gloves they now will prevent blistering because the glove will act as the top layer of skin and prevent the actual skin from separating (Schaffner, 2013).  Manure has a lot of bacteria in it which are harmful if they are swallow, so keeping them away from the hands used to eat with is very beneficial (Furlong, et al., 2015). If farmers are working with firewood or in construction the cloth gloves will work better because they are more durable (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The disposable rubber gloves would be the worst to use in this scenario because they are so thin, stick to jobs were the main goals are to keep hands dry and dirt free when using disposable rubber gloves.</p>
<p><i>Seaweed paper (nori/laver) in the food and snack industry</i></p>
    </div>
<p>Nori and seaweed laver are considered popular foods and snacks. These seaweed sheets are made from red algae, Porphyra, and have existed for centuries.  According to FAO, the combined production from Japan, China and Korea alone was just over one million tonnes in wet weight, yet it had the highest value among the cultivated seaweeds, at US$1200 per wet tonne (1999).</p>
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[[File:Capture_790.JPG]]


  <div style="margin-top: 30px;">
<p><i>Food and snack production of seaweed at a local scale</i></p>
      <h3 style="background: #FBB03B;padding: 15px;font-weight: 600;color: #000;font-size: 22px;margin:unset;text-align:center;">Defense Against Moisture and Chemicals</h3>
<p>As seaweed that is consumed as food is the largest contributor to global profits associated with seaweed production, encouraging subsistence farmers to undertake food related production is practical and applicable. The production of nori can be demonstrated in a few steps. Post-harvested red algae are cut into small pieces, and then a model is used to make a regular shape by mashing the grounded pieces of seaweed on a bamboo sheet for further drying. Subsistence farmers can use solar energy and sunlight to dry nori, so no electricity is necessarily needed. There are some different types of seaweeds that could be dried and used in soup making.  A similar process could be applied to these products as well. Once the seaweeds are harvested from the water, smaller pieces are separated and sun-dried. These products are easy to preserve as long as they are kept in a cool and dry environment, providing a longer shelf-life.</p>
        <div style="background: #FFD8A4;padding: 15px;font-weight: 400;color: #212529;font-size: 16px;margin:unset;line-height: 1.5;">
          <p>Moisture blocking is a way gloves can prevent your skin from drying out and from getting too wet and dehydrating farmer's hands. By keeping the moisture from the hands inside the gloves they will prevent the skin from cracking and becoming infected (Schaffner, 2013). As well when working in wet conditions your hands can shrivel and become dehydrated if they are constantly in contact with water.</p>
          <p>Pesticides can be absorbed by your skin and become harmful to the body, gloves provide an extra barrier to block them from entering in a farmer's body (Furlong, et al., 2015). Fertilizers such as nitrogen can also be caustic, and these are usually spread through broadcasting by hand. Mud can get under your nails and into cracked or cut skin and can infect a farmer's hands. Gloves will keep the mud out and keep hands clean. Both liquid pesticides and dry fertilizers can irritate skin if they come into contact with it (Kim, et al., 2013). Wearing the proper gloves, rubber ones in this case, can save their hands from becoming itchy (Keeble et al., 1996). Human skin can also absorb the pesticides which are harmful to your body, wearing gloves would prevent the pesticides from ever touching your skin.</p>
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  </div>


  <div style="margin-top: 30px;">
<p><i> Cost analysis of the production</i></p>
      <h3 class="title-bg">Wearable</h3>
<p>Dried seaweed products are easy to be transport as they are lighter in weight compared to wet seaweed, allowing subsistence farmers to sell to hotels or restaurants.  A mechanical heat drier for food processing could also be purchased from the online retailer Alibaba at a low price (see below). However, if a food drier machine is used, electricity would be needed. An optional solution for subsistence farmers that are out of reach of electricity would be to use solar panels to run the food drier (see below). Machinery operation would speed up the production, allowing farmers to produce more though with additional costs.</p>
        <div class="cont-bg">
</div>
          <p>Comfortable gloves help farmer's work longer because their hands will not hurt from completing your task. Sizing is very important when finding comfortable gloves (Melco, 2016). Make sure gloves are the proper length and width, as not to restrict movement. There will be less pain from pulling weeds and they will be able to pull more weeds because they would not have to wait a long for the pain to subside between pulling each weed, because there will be no pain if wearing gloves (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). If farmer's find they are working hard and their hands start to sweat the gloves should be removed , dry your hands, and put on a new pair. Cloth gloves are more breathable then rubber ones, using them is another way to prevent hands from getting sweaty. The cloth gloves can also be softer and easier to clean, but are more restricting to movement due to their durability and tougher material. Since children will also be farming, smaller glove sizes can be found. Gloves are designed to fit a farmer's hand snugly, so children should not wear adult sized gloves when working. </p>
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<div style="margin-top: 30px;">
  <div style="margin-top: 30px;">
       <h3 class="title-bg">Critical analysis on seaweed products practice</h3>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Constraints To Adoption</h3>
         <div class="cont-bg">
         <div class="cont-bg">
          <p>Gloves are very useful to farmers, but there can still be some drawbacks. Possible culturable taboos might vary from location to location. Gloves might seem feminine and not easily adopted by men in the community. Gloves act as a second, tougher skin, but they are not a farmer's skin and can slide around while working. This may feel odd and uncomfortable but farmers can get used to the new feeling over time. Gloves can come in many colours and thicknesses, which may make a farmer's hands look funny or larger. Human skin is very stretchy and flexible, while glove materials tend to be tougher than skin and will reduce movement, but not enough to hinder work. Rubber gloves can stretch well, but make hands sweat, while cloth gloves are breathable but reduce dexterity.</p>
<p>The problem with seaweed value addition is that there is a potential shortage of global seaweed, despite recent human cultivation, caused by climate change and seawater pollution (Chung et al, 2017). Sustainable usage of seaweed is a future research direction. In fact, the processed seaweed left over from either alginate extraction or liquid seaweed extraction can be used in waste water treatment (FAO, 2003). Seaweeds have the capability to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus containing compounds from waste water, and at same time no harm would be caused by leaving the leftover seaweed in the water. Seaweed related productions could help subsistence farmers but proper education on sustainable management of production should be considered.<p>
          <p>Farmers can find gloves to use and get started from local vendors (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016). Once you have completed your work for the day you can clean them are reuse them, or dispose of them if they were ripped or torn (Kim, et al., 2013). You can get gloves made of rubber and like materials as well as ones made of durable cloths. The thin rubber gloves tend to be made for a single use only. A trick that the European Commission For The Control Foot-And-Mouth Disease mentions that you can wear two pairs of rubber gloves at the same time for extra protection (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016).</p>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">Useful Links to get started</h3>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Helpful Links To Get Started </h3>
         <div class="cont-bg">
         <div class="cont-bg">
          <p>Here are websites to find more information about how to obtain gloves:</p>
<p>- Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations website, http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4765e/y4765e00.htm#Contents</p>
          <p>[https://www.alibaba.com/ Alibaba]</p>
<p>- http://www.seaweed.ie/</p>
          <p>[https://www.indiamart.com/ Indiamart]</p>
<p>- https://www.acadianseaplants.com/plant-growth-development-products</p>
          <p>[http://www.store.nzfarmsource.co.nz/ Store Nzfarmsource]</p>
<p>- https://www.alibaba.com/products/solar_panel.html</p>
          <p>[https://www.adenna.com Adenna]</p>
<p>- https://www.alibaba.com/products/food_dehydrator.html</p>
          <p>[https://www.farmcity.co.za/ Farmcity]</p>
</div>
          <p>[https://www.crazystore.co.za/ Crazystore]</p>
    </div>
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       <h3 class="title-bg">References </h3>
       <h3 class="title-bg">Usefull Images</h3>
         <div class="cont-bg">
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            <div class="row" style="display:flex; justify-content: space-between;padding:35px 25px;">
<p>1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed on November 12, 2018. http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4765e/y4765e00.htm#Contents</p>
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<p>2. Basavaraja, P. K., Yogendra, N. D., Zodape, S. T., Prakash, R., & Ghosh, A. (2018). Effect of seaweed sap as foliar spray on growth and yield of hybrid maize. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 41, 1851-1861.</p>  
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                  <div class="fakeimg fakeimg-use">[[File:2.jpg]]</div>
                </div>
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              <div class="column" style="max-width: 28%;">
<p>3. Chung, I. K., Sondak, C. F. A. and Beardall, J. (2017). The future of seaweed aquaculture in a rapidly changing world, European Journal of Phycology, 52, 495-505.</p>
                <div class="card">
                  <div class="fakeimg fakeimg-use">[[File:3.jpg]]</div>
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            <div class="row" style="display:flex; justify-content: space-between;padding:35px 25px;">
<p>4. Hehre, E. J., and Meeuwig, J. J. (2016). A Global Analysis of the Relationship between Farmed Seaweed Production and Herbivorous Fish Catch. PLoS One, 11, 1-17.</p>
              <div class="column" style="max-width: 28%;">
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                  <div class="fakeimg fakeimg-use">[[File:4.jpg]]</div>
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<p>5. Hernández-Herrera, R. M., Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, F., Ruiz-López, M. A., Norrie, J., and Hernández-Carmona, G. (2014). Effect of liquid seaweed extracts on growth of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Journal of Applied Phycology, 26, 619-628.</p>
                <div class="card">
                  <div class="fakeimg fakeimg-use">[[File:5.jpg]]</div>
                </div>
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              <div class="column" style="max-width: 28%;">
<p>6. Kocira, S., Szparaga, A., Kocira, A., CzerwiAska, Czerwińska, E., Wójtowicz, A., Bronowicka-Mielniczuk, U., Koszel, M. and Findura, P. (2018). Modeling Biometric Traits, Yield and Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Seeds of Three Soybean Cultivars Through the Application of Biostimulant Containing Seaweed and Amino Acids. Frontiers in Plant Science. 9, 1-18.</p>
                <div class="card">
                  <div class="fakeimg fakeimg-use">[[File:6.jpg]]</div>
                </div>
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<p>7. Sharma, L., Banerjee, M., Malik, G. C., Gopalakrishnan, V. A., Zodape, S. T., and Ghosh A.  (2017). Sustainable agro-technology for enhancement of rice production in the red and lateritic soils using seaweed based biostimulants. Journal of Cleaner Production, 149, 968-975.</p>


  <div style="margin-top: 30px;">
<p>8. Zodape, S.T. (2001). Seaweeds As a Biofertilizer. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. 60. 378-382.</p>
      <h3 class="title-bg">References</h3>
        <div class="cont-bg">
          <p>Espasandín-Arias, M., & Goossens, A. (2014). Natural rubber gloves might not protect against skin penetration of methylisothiazolinone. Contact Dermatitis, 70(4), 249-251. doi:10.1111/cod.12221</p>
          <p>European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease. Suggested FMD PPE guidelines - Food and Agriculture, (2016)
          Food and Agriculture Organization. Rural women in household production: Increasing contributions and persisting drudgery. (2016).
          </p>
          <p>Furlong, M., Tanner, C. M., Goldman, S. M., Bhudhikanok, G. S., Blair, A., Chade, A., . . . Kamel, F. (2015). Protective glove use and hygiene habits modify the associations of specific pesticides with Parkinson's disease. Environment International, 75, 144-150. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.002</p>
          <p>Keeble, V. B., Correll, L., & Ehrich, M. (1996). Effect of Laundering on Ability of Glove Fabrics to Decrease the Penetration of Organophosphate Insecticides Through in vitro Epidermal Systems. J. Appl. Toxicol. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 16(5), 401-406. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1263(199609)16:53.3.co;2-6</p>
          <p>Kim, J., Kim, J., Cha, E., Ko, Y., Kim, D., & Lee, W. (2013). Work-Related Risk Factors by Severity for Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Male Farmers in South Korea. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(3), 1100-1112. doi:10.3390/ijerph10031100</p>
          <p>Melco, M. (2016). Gardening Gloves. Retrieved from [http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gardening_Gloves Garden Lovetoknow]</p>
          <p>Schaffner, A. D. (2013). Minimizing Surgical Skin Incision Scars with a Latex Surgical Glove. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 37(2), 463-463. doi:10.1007/s00266-013-0071-y</p>
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Latest revision as of 20:37, 5 July 2022

8.21-Seaweed Value Addition


Yu Bi , University of Guelph, Canada

4.jpg

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Bi,Y. (2022) Seaweed Value Addition,In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction

Seaweed is a colloquial term referring to a variety of marine plants and algae including red algae, brown algae and green algae. It has been widely recognized as food for human consumption, and meanwhile there is growing attention on the usage of seaweed as crop fertilizers. In 2003, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimated the total value of production of seaweed at US $6 billion of which US $5 billion represented food consumption. Seaweed production in the marine industry has brought nations significant economic benefits. The utilization of raw seaweed comes either from seaweed farms or seaweed harvested from the wild. As wild seaweed production can be anywhere on the coastline or in the ocean, the majority of farmed seaweed production comes from China (60%), Southeast Asia, Indonesia (21%), Philippines (9%) and Malaysia (1%) according to FAO (FAO, 2003). As a type of marine resource, seaweed farming plays a significant role in improving the lives of smallholder farmers, because it can be performed as an alternative to fish for increasing income (Hehre and Meeuwig, 2016). Despite the desired global market and growing demand for seaweed products, subsistence farmers still predominate in southeast Asia with respect to farmed seaweed production. Finding possible and realistic solutions for subsistence farmers working in this industry is needed other than selling only the raw commodity.

Adding value to seaweed production

Liquid seaweed extract

Seaweed as bio-stimulants

As the attention to less usage of artificial fertilizer and pesticides grows, researchers have been turning their attention to finding substitutes from nature. Seaweed extract has been added to soil to improve yields since the extracts act as plant growth regulators and increase plant uptake of inorganic substances from soil. It has been shown to be effective as natural fertilizers (Kocira et al. 2018, Hernández-Herrera et al. 2014 and Basavaraja et al. 2018). Kocira et al. also looked at the increased nutritional value of the crops applied with seaweed extract containing bio-stimulants (2018). Promising outcomes confirmed the market value of seaweed extract.

Capture780.JPG

Production of liquid seaweed extract

Seaweed is very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are macronutrients that plants require for optimal growth, and thus liquid seaweed extract could be implemented as crop fertilizers. Nowadays, liquid seaweed extract is either directly sprayed on the plants or on soil. Often liquid seaweed extract is produced in a concentrated form and then diluted prior to usage. There are two easy steps for making liquid seaweed extract (Zodape, 2001). First, seaweeds (e.g. brown algae) are chopped into pieces and then boiled in distilled water, and depending on the ratio of seaweed and boiled water, the concentration will vary. Producing liquid seaweed extract powder makes transporting products easier, and it is added to water proportionally based on the concentration needed. However, the process of turning liquid seaweed extract to powder requires expensive drying machinery with vacuum treatment, and this method would not be quite practical for subsistence farmers to practice.

Cost analysis of production

It is realistic for subsistence farmers to implement these value additions for multiple reasons. First, little educational background is required. The required equipment cost is low, and the labour needs are minor. Packaging and transporting the liquid seaweed extract would increase the cost of production; nevertheless, well packaged products are able to be sold in greater number and increase the range of the market. This practice is possible to implement without electricity since heat can be generated by old fashion fire. However, heat treatment and boiling increase the safety concerns for subsistence farmers, especially women and children.

2. Seaweed production as food/snacks

Seaweed paper (nori/laver) in the food and snack industry

Nori and seaweed laver are considered popular foods and snacks. These seaweed sheets are made from red algae, Porphyra, and have existed for centuries. According to FAO, the combined production from Japan, China and Korea alone was just over one million tonnes in wet weight, yet it had the highest value among the cultivated seaweeds, at US$1200 per wet tonne (1999).

Capture 790.JPG

Food and snack production of seaweed at a local scale

As seaweed that is consumed as food is the largest contributor to global profits associated with seaweed production, encouraging subsistence farmers to undertake food related production is practical and applicable. The production of nori can be demonstrated in a few steps. Post-harvested red algae are cut into small pieces, and then a model is used to make a regular shape by mashing the grounded pieces of seaweed on a bamboo sheet for further drying. Subsistence farmers can use solar energy and sunlight to dry nori, so no electricity is necessarily needed. There are some different types of seaweeds that could be dried and used in soup making. A similar process could be applied to these products as well. Once the seaweeds are harvested from the water, smaller pieces are separated and sun-dried. These products are easy to preserve as long as they are kept in a cool and dry environment, providing a longer shelf-life.

Cost analysis of the production

Dried seaweed products are easy to be transport as they are lighter in weight compared to wet seaweed, allowing subsistence farmers to sell to hotels or restaurants. A mechanical heat drier for food processing could also be purchased from the online retailer Alibaba at a low price (see below). However, if a food drier machine is used, electricity would be needed. An optional solution for subsistence farmers that are out of reach of electricity would be to use solar panels to run the food drier (see below). Machinery operation would speed up the production, allowing farmers to produce more though with additional costs.

Critical analysis on seaweed products practice

The problem with seaweed value addition is that there is a potential shortage of global seaweed, despite recent human cultivation, caused by climate change and seawater pollution (Chung et al, 2017). Sustainable usage of seaweed is a future research direction. In fact, the processed seaweed left over from either alginate extraction or liquid seaweed extraction can be used in waste water treatment (FAO, 2003). Seaweeds have the capability to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus containing compounds from waste water, and at same time no harm would be caused by leaving the leftover seaweed in the water. Seaweed related productions could help subsistence farmers but proper education on sustainable management of production should be considered.

References

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed on November 12, 2018. http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4765e/y4765e00.htm#Contents

2. Basavaraja, P. K., Yogendra, N. D., Zodape, S. T., Prakash, R., & Ghosh, A. (2018). Effect of seaweed sap as foliar spray on growth and yield of hybrid maize. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 41, 1851-1861.

3. Chung, I. K., Sondak, C. F. A. and Beardall, J. (2017). The future of seaweed aquaculture in a rapidly changing world, European Journal of Phycology, 52, 495-505.

4. Hehre, E. J., and Meeuwig, J. J. (2016). A Global Analysis of the Relationship between Farmed Seaweed Production and Herbivorous Fish Catch. PLoS One, 11, 1-17.

5. Hernández-Herrera, R. M., Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, F., Ruiz-López, M. A., Norrie, J., and Hernández-Carmona, G. (2014). Effect of liquid seaweed extracts on growth of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Journal of Applied Phycology, 26, 619-628.

6. Kocira, S., Szparaga, A., Kocira, A., CzerwiAska, Czerwińska, E., Wójtowicz, A., Bronowicka-Mielniczuk, U., Koszel, M. and Findura, P. (2018). Modeling Biometric Traits, Yield and Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Seeds of Three Soybean Cultivars Through the Application of Biostimulant Containing Seaweed and Amino Acids. Frontiers in Plant Science. 9, 1-18.

7. Sharma, L., Banerjee, M., Malik, G. C., Gopalakrishnan, V. A., Zodape, S. T., and Ghosh A. (2017). Sustainable agro-technology for enhancement of rice production in the red and lateritic soils using seaweed based biostimulants. Journal of Cleaner Production, 149, 968-975.

8. Zodape, S.T. (2001). Seaweeds As a Biofertilizer. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. 60. 378-382.

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