Shri. George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH& D inaugurates black soldier fly based bio-waste conversion unit at ICAR-CMFRI
Shri. George Kurian, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs inaugurated the black soldier fly (BSF) based bio-waste conversion unit at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi on 26 th September 2024.
A part of Swachhata Hi Seva campaign being carried out by the ICAR-CMFRI, the newly established unit is designed to process vegetable and fishery-related biological waste, in line with zero waste and circular economy principles. Black soldier fly larvae will be used to convert waste into sustainable protein sources to replace fish meal in mariculture feed.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the 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. The Minister also said 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 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 said.
Shri. George Kurian interacted with fish farmers and entrepreneurs in ornamental fisheries, fish seed production, integrated fish farming and fish vending. He reviewed ICAR-CMFRI’s various facilities, including Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub, hatcheries, laboratories and library.
Dr Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI said that the Institute followed a scientific approach to swachhata initiatives, including eco-friendly and low carbon technologies in the marine fisheries sector. “ICAR-CMFRI focuses on community based awareness campaigns, especially among women entrepreneurs, helping them to take up these technologies”, he added.
A book titled ‘One Decade of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at ICAR-CMFRI’ and a brochure on BSFL based bio-waste conversion were released by the Minister on the occasion.
Dr Kuldeep K Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA and Dr A P Dineshbabu, Head of Shellfish Fisheries Division of ICAR-CMFRI also spoke on the occasion.
