Chennai, 26th June 2024, The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s. Loopworm, an insect biosciences and biomanufacturing startup based in Bangalore. This partnership aims to evaluate the utility of insect-based protein and oil in aqua feeds.
Loopworm, India’s largest insect-based protein and fat producer, processes 6,000 metric tons of insects annually. As protein and fat are the most expensive nutrients in aqua feed, this collaboration is timely given the rapid expansion of aquaculture and the growing demand for high-quality protein and oil. Finding nutritionally appropriate and sustainable alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil is a critical research area, and insects have emerged as a promising ingredient for aqua feed due to their low environmental impact, efficient feed conversion, and minimal risk of transmitting zoonotic infections.
The MoU focuses on evaluating Loopworm’s products in shrimp and Asian seabass feeds. Dr. M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist and Director-In-Charge of CIBA, highlighted that this initiative would provide a cost-effective alternative to fish meal, enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in the aqua feed sector.
Dr. K. Ambasankar, Principal Scientist and team leader for feed technology, discussed the significance of this MoU and its potential impact on aqua feed production. Mr. Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-founder and CEO of Loopworm, shared plans for cost-effective production and scaling up insect protein and oil, emphasizing the future prospects of these sustainable resources for the Indian aqua feed sector. Mr. Abhishek Kandelwal, Lead Business Development at Loopworm, highlighted the importance of long-term collaborative research with CIBA.
The event was organized by the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of CIBA, with Dr. P.K. Patil, SIC, ITMU, delivering the vote of thanks.
Source: ICAR-CIBA