India’s Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying George Kurian has inaugurated a new black soldier fly (BSF) based bio-waste conversion unit at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
This newly-established unit is designed to process vegetable and fishery-related biological waste, in line with zero-waste and circular economy principles. BSF larvae will be used to convert waste into sustainable protein sources to replace fishmeal in mariculture feed.
The initiative is part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign being carried out by CMFRI.
Kurian said Swachh Bharat initiatives are dedicated to improving all facets of human life, from production and development to fisheries, agriculture and the industrial sector. Prioritising cleanliness and sanitation will help create a healthier and more prosperous society, he said.
He also explained that the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) programme aims to foster a behavioural change with a mindful and deliberate utilisation of natural resources. This, he said, is expected to contribute significantly to reducing global carbon emission.
Efforts are on to scale up the deployment of artificial reefs in the coastal waters of all maritime states by the Union Fisheries Department, the minster added.
At the opening, he interacted with fish farmers and entrepreneurs in ornamental fisheries, fish seed production, integrated fish farming and fish vending. He reviewed CMFRI’s various facilities, including Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub, hatcheries, laboratories and library.
CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said the institute followed a scientific approach to swachhata initiatives, including eco-friendly and low carbon technologies in the marine fisheries sector.
“CMFRI focuses on community-based awareness campaigns, especially among women entrepreneurs, helping them to take up these technologies,” he said.
