In an effort to help aquaculture farmers, the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University has developed a new feed that will aid in the growth of the vannamei shrimp and the tilapia fish. 

Using biofloc, a new technology that obviates the need for the use of plankton in aquaculture, the feed, called Nutrifloc, has been developed.

“We balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio in the water due to which certain microbes develop. These microbes help maintain the quality of the water and reduce formation of sludge,” explained S. Felix, Vice-Chancellor of the University, who is part of the team that has developed the technology. 

The team has applied for a patent for the technology. “Due to an increase in shrimp production that has lead to a fall in prices, many farmers have been forced to sell at very low prices. The rising prices of lime, bleaching powder, medicines and oil and a ballooning wage bill have added to their misery,” he added.

“This feed would cost less per kg than the commercial fish-meal based feed and would evidently help farmers,” he said.

Source: The Hindu // Original Article