The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has introduced an eco-friendly fish feed made from black soldier fly larvae meal. This innovative insect protein-based feed aims to reduce reliance on traditional fishmeal, which is often associated with overfishing and volatile pricing. To facilitate large-scale commercial production, CMFRI has transferred this groundbreaking technology to Amala Ecoclean, a start-up specializing in sustainable waste management and environmental solutions.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by CMFRI Director Grison George and Amala Ecoclean Director Joseph Niclavose in Kochi, as reported in a CMFRI press release. This partnership is set to expand the technology’s reach, benefiting fish farmers across India.
Dr. George emphasized that this innovation promotes sustainable and cost-effective practices within the aquaculture sector. Research from CMFRI’s Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division indicates that the feed effectively supports the growth rates of various farmed fish species, making it a viable alternative to conventional ingredients like fishmeal and soybean.
The newly developed feed not only enhances the overall feed conversion ratio, potentially leading to significant cost savings for fish farmers, but also addresses two critical environmental issues: waste reduction and the provision of a sustainable protein source for aquaculture.
Source: The Hindu
