CMFRI Partners with Amala Ecoclean to Launch Insect-Based Fish Feed

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

Kochi: To push aquaculture toward more sustainable practices, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed a fish feed derived from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal. This insect-based feed aims to reduce the reliance on traditional fishmeal, which has long been associated with overfishing and unstable market prices.

The innovative feed technology was officially handed over to Amala Ecoclean, a start-up focusing on eco-friendly waste management solutions. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between CMFRI Director Grinson George and Amala Ecoclean Director Joseph Niclavose, setting the stage for the commercial rollout of the product to fish farmers across India.

Grinson George explained that insect-protein feed offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional feed ingredients like fishmeal and soybean. “This development will not only benefit farmers through cost savings but also reduce the environmental burden associated with aquaculture,” he said.

Research by the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division at CMFRI shows that the larvae-based feed supports robust growth in farmed fish without sacrificing performance. The BSF larvae, known for their nutrient-rich composition, contain 40-45% protein along with essential fats, amino acids, and other nutrients. The larvae feed on organic waste, making them an efficient and eco-friendly source of protein.

Once processed, the larvae are converted into a defatted meal suitable for fish feed formulations. The product also enhances feed conversion efficiency, potentially lowering production costs for fish farmers.

“This initiative addresses two key issues—reducing organic waste and ensuring sustainable protein sources for aquaculture,” George added. “It aligns with the global shift toward environmentally responsible fish farming.”

Field trials have confirmed that fish fed with the insect-protein diet showed growth and health outcomes comparable to those fed conventional feeds.

The partnership between CMFRI and Amala Ecoclean is expected to accelerate the adoption of sustainable feed practices across the aquaculture sector, marking a step forward in the effort to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

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