In Bangladesh, the high cost of animal feed places a heavy burden on farmers and raises food production expenses. To address this cost constraint, Bangladeshi farmers have turned to insect farming to transform food waste into high-protein, eco-friendly animal feed.
This groundbreaking approach is paving the way for a more resilient agricultural sector.
Central to this innovation is the black soldier fly (BSF), a species renowned for its ability to efficiently convert organic waste into nutrient-rich feed.
BSF farming offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional feed ingredients, such as soy and fish meal, requiring fewer resources and significantly reducing environmental impact.
Moreover, the warm, humid climate of Bangladesh is naturally suited for BSF farming, minimizing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability.
Bangladesh generates an estimated 82 kilograms of food waste per capita annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2024 Food Waste Index Report.
Transforming this waste into valuable resources addresses two critical issues: reducing environmental strain and providing affordable, high-quality feed for farmers. The circular economy created through these efforts ensures that waste is repurposed instead of discarded.
The initiative has benefited from the expertise of Bangladesh’s first commercial scale insect farming company Greensect Founders Ludovico Massari and Stefano Murdaca, who claim that their knowledge in environmental biology and sustainable finance helped them to refine the process and scale up their operations.
According to them, the success of this venture is deeply rooted in local collaboration and the specific needs of Bangladeshi agriculture.
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has been instrumental in advancing research and development for insect farming. Through partnerships with local farmers and policymakers, the university has played a critical role in demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits of insect-based feed.
According to the University, Its involvement ensures that this innovation aligns with the country’s agricultural goals.
Nonetheless, challenges remain, including logistical hurdles such as collecting three tonnes of food waste daily to sustain operations.
Additionally, public perceptions of insect farming have required educational outreach and engagement. These efforts are vital to building acceptance and understanding of the benefits of sustainable practices.
Farmers who have adopted insect-based feed report significant improvements, particularly in poultry and fish farming, with enhanced animal health and reduced feed costs.
These early successes highlight the potential to transform agricultural practices and alleviate financial pressures on farmers. The impact extends beyond animal feed production.
Byproducts like frass (insect excrement) are processed into organic fertilizers, enriching soil health and supporting sustainable farming.
Additionally, the potential for insect-based proteins as a sustainable food source for human consumption is being explored, reflecting a growing global demand for alternative proteins.
Looking ahead, partnerships with agricultural stakeholders, universities, and NGOs aim to expand insect farming across Bangladesh. By integrating innovative techniques and addressing local challenges, these efforts are reshaping the agricultural landscape and fostering environmental sustainability.
Through reducing food waste and lowering feed costs, this approach sets a precedent for sustainable practices in one of the world’s most densely populated nations.
