CIBA fish-waste biofertilisers: waste-to-wealth innovation for aquaculture and crops
Chennai-based ICAR-CIBA has developed two fish-waste-based biofertilisers, CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus, with trials showing gains in aquaculture and crop yields.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In 2026, the Chennai-based ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) developed two fish-waste-derived biofertilisers, CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus, using India’s annual fish waste stream of more than 60 lakh tonnes from nearly 195 lakh tonnes of fish production.
Key specifics
- CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus are derived entirely from fish market waste.
- India produces nearly 195 lakh tonnes of fish annually and generates more than 60 lakh tonnes of fish waste.
- Trials across Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha showed 0.6-0.8 tonnes per hectare higher production in fish and shrimp ponds.
- Fish and shrimp ponds using CIBA-PlanktonPlus recorded 10% to 15% higher survival rates and 20% to 50% lower feed requirements.
- CIBA-HortiPlus applied at 1.5-2 tonnes per hectare increased potato yield by up to 23.8% and replaced 100-150 kg of DAP per hectare.
Exam lens
Question type: Science-tech and agriculture match-the-following; remember ICAR-CIBA, Chennai, fish waste, 195 lakh tonnes fish output, 60 lakh tonnes waste, and the Swachh Bharat Mission link. TNPSC may ask which institute turned fish waste into biofertiliser and what yield gains were reported.