India’s Aqua-feed Sector Can Benefit From GM Crops

Using genetically modified (GM) crops and their derivatives by the Indian aqua-feed sector can enhance the supply of feeding ingredients, according to experts. This adoption can lead to growth and disease resistance of aqua products and the reduction of input costs in production, which mainly benefits fish farmers and consumers.

In a workshop organized by Biotech Consortium India Ltd (BCIL) and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager of BCIL, explained that using GM crops can boost aquatic yield. Dried distilleries grains with soluble (DDGS) is a by-product of cereals in the distillery industry that can help reduce shrimp feed prices, and most of them are of GM corn-origin produced by other countries. This presents an opportunity for Indian feed producers. If they opt to locally produce DDGS for shrimp farms, they can increase their profits while boosting the country's economy.

Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, also released a statement about increasing the nutritional value of feeds through the use of GM crops, such as GM soybeans that produce omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial to the growth and health of farmed fish. Feed constitutes 50-55% of total input cost in aquaculture, and efficient feed production can significantly reduce input costs in fish production.

The experts agree that GM crops in the aqua-feed sector can help reduce pressure on India's fishmeal and fish oil sectors while maintaining a sustainable aquaculture industry.

Read the news release by The Fish Site for more details.