CIBA-PlanktonPlus has been derived entirely from fish market waste
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Scientists at the Chennai-based ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) have developed an innovative fish waste-based biofertiliser technology that offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional fertilisers.
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,” said Kuldeep K. Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA.
CIBA-HortiPlus is a nutrient-rich organic manure developed from processed fish waste
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The scientists explained India currently produces nearly 195 lakh tonnes of fish annually, generating more than 60 lakh tonnes of fish waste. They estimate this untapped resource has the potential to yield 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.
Dr. Lal said multi-location on-farm trials conducted across Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha demonstrated significant 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% to 15% and reduced feed requirements by 20% to 50%.
Improved productivity
The biofertiliser has also shown promising results in agriculture. Field trials in paddy and vegetable crops recorded substantial reductions in chemical fertiliser use without compromising productivity. Foliar application of CIBA-PlanktonPlus enabled considerable savings in nitrogen fertiliser (urea) in paddy cultivation, while vegetable crops such as beans, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and beetroot registered notable yield improvements.
The second product, CIBA-HortiPlus, is a nutrient-rich organic manure developed from processed fish waste. Application of 1.5-2 tonnes per hectare increased potato yields by up to 23.8% and effectively replaced 100-150 kg of DAP fertiliser per hectare. It also improved soil fertility and enhanced the mineral content of crops.
Debasis De, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIBA, who led the scientific team behind the innovation, said the products not only improve crop productivity but also contribute significantly to restoring soil health and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
To facilitate large-scale dissemination, ICAR-CIBA has initiated capacity-building programmes for coastal fisher self-help groups, fish farmer producer organisations, 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.
Dr. De said ICAR-CIBA’s “Waste-to-Wealth” innovation stands out as a model of scientific ingenuity that benefits farmers, fishers, consumers, and the environment alike.
Published – June 05, 2026 03:39 pm IST
