ICAR-CMFRI and Mekkara Fish Hatchery Sign MoU for Research Collaboration on Insect Protein in Aquafeeds
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi has entered into a strategic partnership with Mekkara Fish Hatchery, Kerala, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24-07-2025, aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture practices through the use of insect-based protein.
The MoU outlines a research collaboration to jointly explore the production and utilization of insect protein as a sustainable alternative to fish meal in aquafeeds. This collaboration seeks to reduce dependence on traditional fish meal-a critical but limited resource in aquaculture, by tapping into the potential of insect-derived proteins, particularly from species like the Black Soldier Fly (BSF).
The agreement was signed by Dr. Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, and Mr. Anoop M. J., Managing Partner of Mekkara Fish Hatchery.
Mekkara Fish Hatchery in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of the leading hatchery with a capacity to produce over 500,000 high-quality fish seeds in a pollution-free environment. With over a decade of experience, it offers expert consultancy, and training for fish farming. As part of its expansion into sustainable practices, Mekkara is now venturing into fish feed production using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), for which it seeks collaboration and support from ICAR-CMFRI to ensure scientific guidance and optimized nutritional formulations.
Under this partnership, ICAR-CMFRI will provide scientific guidance, technical expertise, and research support in the areas of formulation, nutritional evaluation, and bio efficacy trials of black soldier fly larvae-based feed. Mekkara Fish Hatchery will facilitate on-ground implementation and contribute to the scaling up of insect protein production.The partnership is expected to pave the way for innovations in fish feed formulations, reduction in feed costs, and promotion of sustainable, circular bioeconomy models in Indian aquaculture.
