For Shimul Hossain, a young entrepreneur from Pabna’s Atghoria upazila, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming has been nothing short of a life-changing venture. Just four years ago, he was burdened with a debt of approximately $13,167 (Tk16 lakh), struggling to sustain his duck farming venture. Today, he operates two successful BSF farms—one in Pabna and another in Cox’s Bazar—earning between $1,235 and $1,646 (Tk1.5 to Tk2 lakh) per month. Beyond personal success, Shimul is contributing to a new era in sustainable aquaculture.
A New Frontier in Sustainable Feed Production
Shimul’s journey into Black Soldier Fly farming began with insights from YouTube videos, which led him to formal training at Mymensingh Agricultural University. With technical and financial support from the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project, implemented by the Program for Community Development (PCD) in Pabna, he established a system that addresses a critical need in aquaculture: a high-protein, sustainable alternative to traditional feed.
His farm now produces 300 kg of BSF larvae daily, valued at approximately $592 (Tk72,000). These larvae are in high demand among fish and poultry farmers, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly protein source. Encouraged by his success, Shimul is investing an additional $24,800 (Tk30 lakh) to expand operations in Cox’s Bazar, where coastal fish and shrimp farmers are increasingly seeking sustainable feed solutions.
“Initially, people thought I was crazy for working with insects,” Shimul recalls. “But now, I export BSF pupae to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, where aquaculture entrepreneurs are embracing this innovation.”
The Aquaculture Connection: Why Black Soldier Fly Matters for Fish Farming
Bangladesh’s aquaculture industry is rapidly growing, but traditional fish feed—comprising fishmeal and soybean—is becoming unsustainable and costly. BSF larvae offer a nutrient-rich alternative with several benefits:
- High Protein Content: BSF larvae contain 43% to 55% protein, significantly higher than traditional fish feed.
- Cost-Effective: Production costs are as low as $0.08 to $0.10 per kg (Tk10 to Tk12), while selling prices range between $0.41 to $0.66 per kg (Tk50 to Tk80).
- Fast Growth Cycle: BSF eggs hatch within 8 to 10 days, and the larvae mature in just 20 to 30 days, ensuring a continuous, scalable supply.
- Eco-Friendly Solution: BSF larvae feed on organic waste, reducing pollution and lessening dependence on wild fish stocks for feed production.
For fish and shrimp farmers, BSF farming not only reduces feeding costs but also aligns with sustainable aquaculture practices, promoting better growth rates and disease resistance among farmed species.
A Growing Industry with Significant Potential
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global BSF farming is projected to grow by 34% annually by 2030. With Bangladesh’s fish and poultry feed industry valued at over $8.1 million (Tk986 crore), the demand for sustainable, cost-effective feed solutions is escalating.
Currently, more than 280 entrepreneurs across 25 districts are commercially farming BSF larvae, producing over 70 tons per month, valued at approximately $41,000 (Tk50 lakh). Organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), and DANIDA are actively supporting this transformative industry.
Md Fazlul Kader, Managing Director of PKSF, emphasizes that BSF farming could be a key driver in making aquaculture more sustainable and profitable.
A Future of Sustainable Aquaculture
Experts believe that BSF farming can revolutionize Bangladesh’s fisheries sector by providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly protein source, thereby reducing reliance on wild fish stocks for feed.
Abdus Salam, a former professor at Bangladesh Agricultural University, has dedicated 12 years to researching BSF, highlighting its immense potential for enhancing fish health and growth rates while minimizing environmental impact.
To maximize the benefits of BSF farming for aquaculture, Bangladesh should:
- Expand training programs for fish and shrimp farmers.
- Strengthen market linkages to promote BSF-based fish feed.
- Support policy initiatives to integrate BSF into mainstream feed production.
- Invest in research and innovation to optimize its use in aquaculture.
With the global demand for sustainable, high-protein aquaculture feed on the rise, Bangladesh is well-positioned to lead the way. By embracing Black Soldier Fly farming, the country can ensure a more resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible fisheries sector.
