Kadaloor, Tamil Nadu – June 19, 2025 — The coastal breeze carried not just the scent of the sea, but also the tangy aroma of innovation and empowerment as AMMACHI Labs of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham hosted the second edition of its Seaweed Pickle Competition at the Kadaloor Panchayat Office. Part of the university’s pioneering “Blue is the New Pink” initiative, the event celebrated women’s creativity and sustainable entrepreneurship through seaweed-based culinary products.
Building on the success of its first phase, this second competition brought together 14 determined women from the coastal villages of Thondi, Soliyakudi, Morpannai, and Thiruppalaikudi, all situated along the ecologically vibrant Gulf of Mannar in Ramanathapuram district. Each participant showcased pickles made from Kappaphycus and Gracilaria, two varieties of seaweed known for their nutritional and economic potential.
To ensure accessibility and fairness, AMMACHI Labs provided ingredients, jars, and continuous logistical support, helping every woman prepare her product with confidence and care. The culmination at the Kadaloor Panchayat Office was marked by a festive gathering, where an esteemed panel of judges tasted and evaluated the entries.
🌟 Chief Guests Included:
Sinduja, Inspector of Fisheries
Dharma Jayasheelan, Manager, Janani Pharmacy
Ajith Kumar, Distributor, Janani Pharmacy
Dhurai Balan, President, Kadaloor Panchayat
Antony, Clerk, Kadaloor Panchayat
🏆 Winners:
🥇 Suriya Akka – Soliyakudi
🥈 Karthika Akka – Thiruppalaikudi
🥉 Vimala Akka – Thondi
The event was not just a culinary contest, but a celebration of grassroots innovation, local ingredients, and the entrepreneurial spirit of coastal women. The competition also sparked meaningful conversations around sustainable livelihoods, food security, and climate-resilient economies in marine communities.
As part of the larger Ocean Farming initiative led by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, this program is supported by Transworld Group, the GEF Small Grants Programme (Operational Phase 7), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Esri, and TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute.
The joyful enthusiasm and growing confidence of participants highlighted a shared vision: a future where blue economy pathways empower women, nurture coastal ecosystems, and build resilient, self-reliant communities.
