Karnataka Approves a Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-2031 to Grow Its Blue Bioeconomy

20 September 2026National

Karnataka approved a five-year Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-2031 on 18 September 2026 with an outlay of Rs 120 crore, targeting growth of the state's Blue Bioeconomy from about USD 2 billion to USD 6-8 billion by 2031. It sets up the Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy at the Government Fisheries College, with laboratories, a biobank and incubation centres in Udupi, plus dedicated Marine Biotechnology Zones with the fisheries department. A Seaweed Value Addition PLI (SVA-PLI) supports higher-value seaweed derivatives. The policy projects about 2,500 high-value technical jobs and 7,500 coastal livelihood opportunities.

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Karnataka's coastline lies on the Arabian Sea, covering Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts | Priyank Kharge holds the IT and Biotechnology portfolio in Karnataka | The Blue Economy concept covers sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources

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