CMFRI trains farmers in sustainability

The training, which coincided with National Fish Farmers Day in India, is designed to equip beneficiaries of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan with practical skills in feed formulation for cage and bio-floc fish farming.

“This initiative is part of CMFRI’s ongoing efforts to enhance livelihood opportunities for marginalised coastal communities through targeted capacity building,” said CMFRI director Dr Grinson George at the inauguration.

BSF larvae, rich in protein and eco-friendly, offers a promising alternative to traditional feed ingredients like fish meal and soybean.

Dr George emphasised the financial benefits of the approach. “Feed costs typically account for 40-60% of operational expenses in fish farming, and even more in intensive systems,” he said.

“Cost-effective pellet feed preparation is essential to increase profits, especially for women and small-scale farmers.”

Participants will learn how to process BSF larvae into fish feed, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional inputs and support circular economy practices in aquaculture.

CMFRI, under the SCSP scheme, continues to assist Scheduled Caste fish farmers in adopting sustainable and affordable coastal aquaculture methods.

Dr K Madhu, Dr Vipin Kumar V P, Dr Rema Madhu and Dr Sanal Ebeneezar also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of innovations in inclusive aquaculture development.