Fish waste as plant supplement

Plant growth stimulants from fish waste — it's the new organic way of
farming being attempted at a lab in Kochi. A researcher at the School
of Industrial Fisheries of the Cochin University of Science and
Technology has offered to give 'foliar sprays' developed from fish
waste. Management of fish waste has been difficult in areas like the
Aroor industrial belt and Kochi Corporation. Waste is found dumped on
vacant plots or nearby water bodies. This has led to outbreak of skin
diseases and other health hazards in Chandiroor and its adjoining
areas. It is estimated that the fish processing plants located at
Aroor generate 128 tonnes of waste every day, and Kochi adds another
48.14 tonnes. "The attempt was to create a cost-effective and
eco-friendly way to manage the fish waste, which has been causing
serious health issues," said S. Abhilash, Principal Investigator of
the project. The Science and Society Division of the Department of
Science & Technology, New Delhi, has supported the project.
Foliar sprays are micronutrient mixtures sprayed on plants to
accelerate their growth. The micronutrients are directly absorbed by
the plant through the specialised cells under the leaves. Foliar spray
is developed from fish silage, the liquefied fish protein made by
adding formic acid to fish parts. The spray can be marketed and
promoted as part organic farming, especially among gardening
enthusiasts, said Mr. Abhilash. Cattle feed can also be developed from
the fish silage. Though some companies are marketing foliar sprays at
Rs. 80 for 100 grams, the one developed by the lab could be sold at
half the price, he said. The researchers of the University are trying
the spray on ladies finger plants farmed on the campus. They have also
trained around 100 women in Kuthiyathode for the production of sprays
and cattle feed. Attempts are also made to create a marketing network
for the products.
The Hindu, July 4