Betterwell PVT LTD, Cochin, Kerala, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR-CIBA on 3rd Aug 2021 for the technology support on fish feed processing on a non-exclusive basis. ICAR-CIBA is well known in the aquaculture sector across the nation for its feed and seed technologies. CIBA developed and demonstrated several cost-effective indigenous feed technologies for the different life stages of the shrimp and fish targeted for farming in brackishwater. Many of such technologies have been brought to the field by several entrepreneurs in the farming sector. As an extension to this list, Betterwell PVT LTD signed a MoU with CIBA for customized fish feed formulation and feed processing technology to cater to the pressing demands of poor and marginal farmers of Kerala.
According to Dr K P Jithendran, Director, CIBA, the formulated feed is a major recurring cost, which often ranges from 50 to 60 % of the total cost of production, which directly determines the profitability and sustainability of any aquafarm. He described the strength of CIBA in developing and commercializing several feed technologies to the sector from Northern Punjab to Southern Tamil Nadu. He expressed his happiness in partnering with Betterwell PVT LTD to produce cost-effective finfish feeds, which is a long waited input element for expanding fish farming in neighboring Kerala. Dr K Ambasankar, Principal Scientist and team leader for the feed technology, briefed about the significance of this MoU and outlined the genesis of this initiative. The MoU will involve exchanging information on customized machineries, feed formulations involving macro and micro-nutritional parameters, feed processing, and testing of identified feed ingredients and finished feeds. He also added, it is good opportunity for the client, where CIBA support is not only limited to the feed, they also can get benefitted in all kinds of the available expertise with CIBA, such as farming, environment, health etc.
Mr. Johns James, Director, Betterwell PVT LTD said, they see many prospects for aquaculture as a business in Kerala, in which the formulated feeds will have more business opportunities. The partners are group of farmers from Kerala who are directly associated with Fish Farmers Association of Kerala. The significant aspect of this venture is that the firm with the aim of providing cost effective feed to farmers, through the concept of Factory to Farm and thus avoiding the middle men and dealers. This would be huge savings for the farmers. The event was organized by The Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of ICAR-CIBA, where Dr P K Patil, Principal Scientist & SIC, ITMU welcomed the participants and coordinated the event.
