Mangroves and Associated Flora: Prospects for Utilization in Coastal Agriculture

Mangrove forests are uniquely adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of the intertidal zone. These are distributed globally in about 14.7 million hectares area with 83 true mangrove species (including 12 hybrids) and more than 100 associate species. In India, these have the highest record of plant diversity with 43 mangroves and about hundred associate species covering an area of 4992 km2. They have tremendous potential of sequestering carbon and over 21.9 gigatons of CO2 equivalent held in the current extent of mangroves showing their role in mitigating climate change. The mangrove stands are rich in biodiversity and home to a rich fauna, including 341 internationally threatened species ranging from tigers to seahorses. They ensure coastal security for developing farming practices in the coastal areas to overcome the vulnerability to high salinity and natural disasters. There is a need to develop workable models for integrating agriculture, aquaculture, and mangrove silviculture along with livestock for demonstrating their ecological and economic benefits to the coastal population as an adaptation to climate change. Further, the mangrove-associated microorganisms have been proven to have the potential for application as biofertilizers and bio-fungicides and in the conversion of agro-waste into ethanol, particularly in the coastal agriculture.