July 2026 : In a significant step towards promoting sustainable aquaculture and advancing the circular economy, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, has released a landmark publication titled “Waste to Wealth: Converting Agro-Industrial Waste into Cost-Effective, Sustainable Fish Feed—A Circular Economy for Aquaculture.” The publication highlights a pioneering technology that transforms agro-industrial waste into affordable, nutritionally balanced fish feed, offering a sustainable solution to one of aquaculture’s biggest challenges—high feed costs.
The publication was formally released by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, in the presence of Dr. D.K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jat said that converting agricultural residues into value-added aquaculture inputs is an innovative approach that enhances resource efficiency, reduces waste, and creates new income opportunities for farmers. He described the ICAR-CIFRI initiative as a model of science-driven innovation that supports the Government of India’s vision of a circular economy, climate-resilient agriculture, and the Blue Economy.
The publication showcases more than 15 years of research carried out by the Waste to Wealth Team led by Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Meena, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI. The research has resulted in technologies that convert agricultural and agro-industrial residues into high-quality fish feed, helping reduce production costs and improve profitability for fish farmers.
The technology effectively utilises a wide range of agro-industrial by-products, including rice bran, tapioca waste, oil cakes, brewer’s spent grain, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae and silkworm pupae meal. These ingredients have been successfully formulated into nutritionally balanced feeds for freshwater aquaculture.
Field demonstrations have shown encouraging results, with feed costs reduced by 20–30 per cent, replacement of 75–100 per cent fish meal and 15–20 per cent higher fish production. The technology is estimated to generate an annual economic benefit of ₹1,200–1,400 crore for India’s aquaculture sector.
ICAR-CIFRI has also developed several innovative feed products under the initiative, including CIFRI CAGE GROW floating feed, the Reshmeen™ feed series, Black Soldier Fly larvae-based feed, silkworm pupae meal formulations, functional fish feeds, and specialised ornamental fish feeds. These feeds have been successfully validated for major Indian carps such as Catla, Rohu and Mrigal, as well as tilapia, pangasius and ornamental fish species.
Designed for wide-scale adoption, the technology can be implemented by small entrepreneurs with a production capacity of 0.5 tonne per day and scaled up for commercial units producing as much as 50,000 tonnes annually. Standardised processing protocols ensure product quality, safety, nutritional consistency and reliable performance.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, said the initiative reflects the institute’s commitment to developing practical technologies that make aquaculture more profitable and environmentally sustainable. He added that the technology not only lowers feed costs but also promotes efficient waste utilisation, generates rural employment, and contributes to environmental conservation.
The Waste to Wealth initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s sustainable aquaculture sector by integrating waste recycling, resource efficiency and climate-smart technologies. Aligned with the national priorities of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Blue Economy, and circular economy-based agricultural development, the technology is poised to enhance fish production while supporting food security, rural livelihoods and sustainable economic growth.
