Seeking to reduce the dependence of India’s aquaculture industry on fishmeal-based feeds, researchers at the CMFRI have developed a novel aquafeed which incorporates black soldier fly larvae as a key protein source.
Black soldier fly larvae are increasingly touted as a potential replacement for fishmeal in aquafeeds, largely due to their high nutrient and protein content, alongside the comparatively reduced environmental impact of the ingredient. According to CMFRI researchers, the feed has shown great promise for maintaining high growth rates in farmed fish, rivalling the performance of current alternative feeds.
Following the development of the novel feed, and with subsequent successful trials, researchers at the CMFRI now seek to move the feed towards commercial production. To this end, the institute has signed an agreement with Amala Ecoclean – a start-up focussing on sustainable waste management and environmental solutions – to optimise the feed for various fish species and farming conditions.
According to Dr Grinson George, Director of the CMFRI, the development of the feed has shown promise for addressing critical concerns within India’s aquaculture industry, such as waste reduction and sustainable protein production.
“The innovation promotes sustainable and cost-effective practices in the aquaculture industry,” he concluded.
