Arthro Biotech, based in Hyderabad, has become the first Indian company to receive EU TRACES certification for producing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) insect protein. This achievement enables the company to export its high-quality insect-based ingredients to Europe and other global markets.
Founded by a team with over six years of experience in the insect industry, Arthro Biotech initially made waves by developing the world’s largest BSF breeding program focused on waste management. Now, the company is shifting its focus to producing BSF-based proteins and biopesticides using plant-based raw materials from the starch and distillery industries.
“Our pilot facility in Hyderabad currently produces 500 tons of insect protein per year, with a crude protein content exceeding 55%. We meet all the regulatory standards for export and are registered with the EU TRACES system,” said Dr. Praveen K Sappa, founder and CEO of Arthro Biotech.
The company plans to scale up its production capacity with a new 5,000-ton-per-year facility set to launch in 2025. This expansion will enable the production of insect protein with a 60% protein content, at competitive prices. Co-founder and operations lead, Manikanth Injarapu, noted, “We aim to offer our product at a price of USD 1,500 per ton, which will allow us to compete with fishmeal prices and meet the growing demand from local aquafeed companies.”
In addition to increasing production, Arthro Biotech is collaborating with leading Indian feed mills to conduct shrimp feed trials. The company is also developing a patent-pending biopesticide derived from BSF larvae and is working on hydrolyzed proteins for use as animal feed and plant biostimulants.
“Our long-term goal is to produce 100,000 tons of insect ingredients annually by 2030,” Dr. Sappa concluded, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in both the animal feed and agricultural sectors.
Source: Aquafeed.com
