Q. With reference to seaweed farming in India, consider the following statements:

1. Seaweed cultivation requires both arable land and freshwater resources.
2. Seaweed farming is promoted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
3. Kappaphycus alvarezii is cultivated in India primarily for agar production.
4. Seaweed farming contributes to climate change mitigation by absorbing atmospheric CO₂.

Which of the above statements are correct?
Answer: 2 and 4 only
Notes: Statement 1 is incorrect as seaweed cultivation does not require either arable land or freshwater resources. Instead, it is predominantly grown in marine environments. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Kappaphycus alvarezii is cultivated in India, it is not primarily for agar production but is rather used for carrageenan. Statements 2 and 4 are correct as seaweed farming is promoted under the PMMSY, and it indeed contributes to climate change mitigation by absorbing atmospheric CO₂.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.