ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) Chennai have developed an innovative fish waste-based biofertilizer technology that offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional fertilizers.

The institute has developed two novel products-CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus-derived entirely from fish market waste. These products represent a win-win solution by addressing the twin challenges of scientific fish waste disposal and the growing need for eco-friendly nutrient sources that enhance soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

India currently produces nearly 195 lakh tonnes of fish annually, generating more than 60 lakh tonnes of fish waste. Scientists estimate that this untapped resource has the potential to produce approximately 48 lakh tonnes of CIBA-PlanktonPlus and 3 lakh tonnes of CIBA-HortiPlus every year, transforming a major environmental burden into a valuable agricultural input.

According to Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, multi-location on-farm trials conducted across Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha demonstrated remarkable benefits of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in aquaculture. Application of the product in fish and shrimp ponds enhanced production by 0.6–0.8 tonnes per hectare, improved survival rates by 10–15 percent, and reduced feed requirements by 20–50 percent.

Scientists estimate that large-scale adoption of the technology could generate an additional 49.2 lakh tonnes of fish and shrimp production from India's estimated 12.3 million hectares of aquaculture potential area, significantly boosting national fish production and farmers' incomes.

The biofertilizer has also demonstrated promising results in agriculture. Field trials in paddy and vegetable crops showed substantial reductions in chemical fertilizer use without compromising productivity. Foliar application of CIBA-PlanktonPlus enabled significant savings in nitrogen fertilizer (urea) in paddy cultivation, while vegetable crops including beans, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and beetroot recorded notable yield improvements.

The second product, CIBA-HortiPlus, is a nutrient-rich organic manure developed from processed fish waste. Application of 1.5–2.0 tonnes per hectare increased potato yields by up to 23.8 percent and effectively replaced 100–150 kg of DAP fertilizer per hectare, while simultaneously improving soil fertility and enhancing the mineral content of crops.

Dr. Debasis De, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIBA, who led the scientific team behind the innovation, noted that the products not only improve crop productivity but also contribute significantly to restoring soil health and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Recognizing the technology's potential, the Government of Maharashtra has incorporated fish waste recycling and production of PlanktonPlus and HortiPlus under the Mukhyamantri Matsyasampada Yojana, providing 75 % financial assistance to beneficiaries for establishing production units and promoting adoption.

To facilitate large-scale dissemination, ICAR-CIBA has initiated capacity-building programmes for coastal fisher self-help groups, fish farmer producer organizations, and entrepreneurs. Production units have already been established in several states, including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, generating employment opportunities while supporting the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission through improved fish waste management.

With increasing emphasis on natural farming, sustainable agriculture, and circular bioeconomy models, fish waste-based biofertilizers such as CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus have the potential to play a significant role in reducing fertilizer imports, minimizing environmental pollution, improving soil health, and strengthening India's food and nutritional security.

As the nation seeks resilient and sustainable solutions to emerging agricultural challenges, ICAR-CIBA's "Waste-to-Wealth" innovation stands out as a model of scientific ingenuity that simultaneously benefits farmers, fishers, consumers, and the environment.

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TV/SH

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