February 17, 2026 11:31 Created by Rajesh Kumar Yadav, Last modified on February 17, 2026 11:31

Galway has always guided farmers and distributors toward advanced and organic farming practices and modern agricultural techniques. In the previous issue of the Galway Newsletter, we discussed the benefits of bio-fertilizers, organic fertilizers, micro and multi micronutrients and bio-stimulants. In this issue, we focus on Seaweed.

Today, farming is changing rapidly. Farmers are now looking for options that give better yield, do not damage soil health, and help maintain the nutritional value of grains and vegetables. This is why agriculture in India is gradually moving toward sustainable and residue-free methods. It is important to note that today’s farmer is not farming only in the traditional way but with smart thinking and a business-oriented approach. Especially young farmers are showing interest in reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and adopting new and effective solutions. In this changing scenario, seaweed has emerged as a powerful and natural option. It supports healthy crops and better production without increasing dependence on chemical products.

What is Seaweed

Seaweed is a diverse group of aquatic organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis. They are mainly found in fresh water, salt water, or moist environments. Seaweed is one of the major producers of oxygen on Earth and ranges from microscopic single-celled organisms (diatoms) to large multicellular forms (kelp). Seaweed plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems, produces oxygen and is also used for food, fertilizers and wastewater treatment.

Key Benefits:

• Promotes strong root growth

• Improves yield and crop quality

• Builds resistance against stress

• Improves soil health

• Safe, sustainable, natural and biodegradable

About 5–10 years ago, most farmers knew seaweed mainly as a crop enzyme (bio-stimulant) used to improve crop quality. At that time, there were limited options, and Indian farming mostly used seaweed in granular form. Ascophyllum was the most commonly used seaweed and was often applied without clear guidelines.

In recent years, the inclusion of new seaweed species under the FCO (Fertilizer Control Order, 1985) by the government has brought a major change in this sector. Now options such as Turbinaria, Gracilaria, Kappaphycus, and Rhodophyte-based potash are also available. The addition of these new seaweed species has increased product diversity and expanded their use in agriculture.

Today, seaweed-based fertilizers are available in high-concentrated powder and liquid forms. Whether it is grains, vegetables, fruits, or horticulture crops, seaweed can be used for all types of farming. Seaweed naturally contains plant growth hormones and bio-stimulants that are quickly absorbed by plants and support growth from roots to flowering and fruiting.

That is why Galway is soon introducing advanced seaweed-based products in its new product range.

A New Support for Organic Farming

Now is the time to provide farmers and distributors with the right information about this new opportunity. Seaweed-based organic fertilizers not only help increase production but also maintain soil health in the long term. Let us all become part of this change and move away from chemicals toward natural and bio-fertilizer-based farming. This is the smart farming approach of the future, beneficial for farmers, the land and future generations.