Following parameters need to be met while selecting land to set up a plant.

  • low cyclone area
  • flat land
  • road approach
  • less rainfall
  • no hills or mountain shadow
  • high temperature and dry land
  • Mild or higher temperatures in winters
  • water source (preferably ground water)
  • Spirulina usually grows in hot & extremophile conditions and can sustain very high temperatures

Land Selection Criteria for a Spirulina Production Plant [Detailed Version]

1. Climate & Location Suitability

Parameter Requirement Why It Matters
Cyclone / Wind Risk Low-risk zone Protects ponds, sheds, power lines, and prevents operational disruptions
Rainfall & Humidity Low rainfall, low humidity (dry regions preferred) Reduces pond dilution/overflow risk and lowers drying energy load
Sunlight Availability High sunlight, minimal cloud cover Directly improves Spirulina productivity and growth consistency
Shadow-Free Area No hills, mountains, or tall obstructions Prevents sunlight blockage and uneven pond temperatures
Temperature Profile Warm-to-hot summers, mild winters Enables stable year-round production with minimal winter downtime


2. Topography & Civil Suitability

Parameter Requirement Why It Matters
Land Gradient Flat land Minimizes earthwork and ensures uniform pond depth
Flood Risk Non-flooding plot with natural drainage Prevents contamination and structural damage
Drainage Control Ability to divert rainwater/runoff Protects ponds from overflow and culture loss
Soil Bearing Capacity Good bearing capacity, low settlement risk Avoids pond deformation and liner damage over time


3. Water Availability & Quality

Parameter Requirement Why It Matters
Water Source Assured year-round supply (preferably groundwater) Ensures uninterrupted production cycles
Borewell Yield Adequate and sustainable discharge Supports scale-up and continuous operations
Mandatory Water Tests pH, TDS, hardness/alkalinity, iron, manganese Ensures culture stability and process efficiency
Heavy Metal Testing Mandatory (especially for export) Critical for food-grade and international compliance
Legal Permissions Groundwater extraction permissions checked Avoids regulatory issues and shutdown risks


4. Access & Utilities

Parameter Requirement Why It Matters
Road Access All-weather motorable road Smooth movement of machinery, inputs, and dispatch
Electricity Supply Reliable grid power Essential for aeration, pumps, dryers, and lighting
Backup Options Space for DG set / solar Ensures power continuity during outages
Telecom & Internet Stable mobile and data connectivity Required for monitoring, CCTV, automation, and reporting


5. Contamination Risk & Compliance Readiness

Parameter Requirement Why It Matters
Industrial Distance Far from factories, quarries, dumping yards Prevents air and water contamination
Sewage & Effluents No nearby sewage channels or drains Eliminates biological and chemical contamination risk
Pesticide Drift Avoid high pesticide-use agricultural zones Important for premium, organic, and export markets
Land Title & Legal Clear ownership and approval feasibility Smooth project execution and financing
Expansion Potential Scope for future expansion Spirulina operations benefit significantly from scale