Kochi, Nov 10 (PTI) Organic waste could become an important alternative protein source for India’s growing aquaculture sector, helping reduce dependence on fishmeal and lower fish feed production costs, an ICAR official said on Tuesday.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Assistant Director General, Devika Pillai, said biodegradable waste from households, markets and other sectors could be converted into protein-rich biomass using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae technology.
She was speaking at the inauguration of a 21-day winter school on integrated Black Soldier Fly-based feed technology at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here.
The technology could address the twin challenges of rising production costs in aquaculture and mounting waste disposal concerns, while reducing pressure on wild fish stocks used for fishmeal production, she said.
Highlighting the potential of BSF larvae, Pillai said the insects could convert biodegradable organic waste into protein-rich biomass, offering a sustainable alternative ingredient for aquaculture feed.
The aquaculture sector is facing increasing pressure due to the limited availability and rising prices of conventional feed ingredients, particularly fishmeal, she said.
India generates an estimated 1.71 lakh to 1.9 lakh tonne of municipal solid waste daily, of which biodegradable organic waste accounts for 50 to 60 per cent. Converting this waste into valuable protein through insect-based technologies could create new opportunities for a circular bioeconomy by linking waste management with sustainable food production, she added.
Pillai also stressed the need to develop alternative feed ingredients from locally available resources, including insects, microalgae, seaweeds, aquatic plants, fermented products and fruit and vegetable processing residues.
CMFRI Director Grinson George said the institute’s patented BSF larvae technology offered a sustainable method of converting organic residues into nutrient-rich biomass containing protein and fat.
Four startups are currently undertaking large-scale commercial production of fish feed using the institute’s technology, he said.
With global demand for aquatic food increasing, the winter school aims to strengthen technical expertise and promote innovations in feed formulation using BSF technology to enhance fish production and support sustainable aquaculture, George said.
The ICAR-sponsored winter school is organised by CMFRI’s Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division.
The division’s head Krupesha Sharma, Course Director Sanal Ebeneezar and Adnan H Gora also spoke at the inaugural function. PTI LGK KH
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