Cost and GHG emission reduction strategies for Aquaculture by B.pdf

Aquafarming Production Cost and GHG emission reduction strategies for climate resilient sustainable Aquaculture .
With Special focus on inputs cost, feed, electrical and mortality related risk reduction.
Adoption of renewable energy sources. Fuel efficient precision farming practices

1. Electrical expense reduction per hectare in aquaculture from solar, wind, and tidal energy var
with figures like a 2019 study showing Rs. per hectare per crop in electricity costs that
in be offset by renewables. While stare reduction figures for wind and tidal are
less available, solar PV integration can reduce costs significantly. Solar panels, installed above
ponds, provide power for aeration and pumps, which are major energy consumers in
aculture. The integration of solar ems, known as agua shows increased PV
efficiency due to water cooling and can result in substantial long-term sav

Potential water savings

Some solar-driven aguaponics have demonstrated significant water use reductions by

providing precision watering

generation with aquaculture can be a win-win, providing

neficial cooling effect on solar panels

2. ‘While not directly applicable o all aquaculture sites, tidal energy offers a consistent, predictable
renewable source for coastal areas, though it involves higher costs and potential environmental

impacts

Wind energy
Wind turbines can be integrated with aquaculture systems to provide power, particularly in areas
with suitable wind resources.

To determine the precise reduction per hectare, a detailed analysis of your specific aquaculture
‘operation's energy consumption available renewable resources (sola irradiation, wind speed, tidal
potential), and local energy costs is necessary

Electrical expances reduction in due to solar, wind and tidal energy per ha in Aquaculture

The Financial savings per hectare from using solar, wind, and tidal energy in aquaculture vary
igificantly based on the technology. system size, and location
While specific perchectare cost-reduction figures are often tied to project-specific variables,
‘Studies show that renewable energy integration can dramatically decrease or eliminate operational
electricity costs

Solar energy savings per hectare

Aquaculture businesses can greatly reduce or eliminate electricity expenses for aeration, pumps,
and other equipment by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Financial benefits:

One study in Taiwan found a dual-use "aquavolalc" project with a 1 MW per-hectare capacity
yielded an intemal rate of retum (IRR) of 19.75% for farmers over 20 years, making it an

‘economically viable option despite higher inital cost

rated approach generated 32 MWh of energy per month from a 0.34-hectare shrimp

farm, fully covering its energy demands

Farmers in India have been shown to spend approximately 62,213.33 Rs. (about $750) per hectare

per crop on electricity, a cost that can be reduced by switching to solar

Case study: Shrimp farms: A study on energy use in intensive shrimp farming in Australia found
that aeration was the dominant energy user, peaking at approximately 15 kW per hectare.
Oftseting this with solar power can produce substantial savings, though the Final figure depends

‘on the system size and energy storage

3. Wind energy savings per hectare

Wind energy applicability to aquaculture is dependent on consisten, high wind speeds, and while
specific per-hectare figures are scarce, co-locating with offshore aquaculture is a promi

Costsaving strategies

Co-location potential: For offshore aquaculture, co-location with offshore wind farms can generate
cost savings. Sharing infrastructure and maintenance vessels can lead to a 10% reduction in

‘operations and maintenance costs

‘Stand-alone systems: Smaller vertical axis wind turbines can be used for remote locations and can
provide a supplementary power source for aeration, In conjunction with solar panels, these hybrid

systems can minimize reliance on battery storage and generators,

Limitations: Wind power is intermittent, which may not be sufficient forthe continuous energy

demands of some aquaculture operations, such as aeration

Tidal energy savings per hectare

While tidal energy isa highly reliable and predictable energy source, the per-hectare economic
enot well-documented. Its high installation costs and site-specific nature

currently limit ts se wo large-scale, strategie projects

Primary applications: The main application for tidal energy would be for large-scale offshore
farms, providing a consistent power source that is not subject to daily or seasonal weather

variations like solar and wind,

Costeffectiveness: Historical examples, such as the now-defunct 3.75 MW tidal plant in West
Bengal, India (costing over $750,000 per MW), show a very high cost of installation. This makes

it less economically feasible for smaller-scale, per-hectare projects compared to solar or hybrid

5. Feed costs expenses deduction in due to el e fish feeds per ha in
Aquaculture areas

ignificant reductions in aquaculture feed costs per hectare can be achieved by replac
cal with cheaper, locally available ingredients like plant-based proteins, insect meals, and

food waste

Optimizing feed management and water quality also improve feed conversion ratios (FCRS).

further lowering expenses.
‘Cheap and best alternative feed ingredients
Plant-based meals

Many plant-based ingredients offer a costeffective protein source, especially for herbivorous and
fomnivorous fish species. However, their use requires careful management due 10 lower

palatability, and-nutrtional factors (ANFS), and the need for amino acid balancing

Soybean meal: The most widely used plant-based substitute for fishmeal due to its high protein

content (40-50%) and steady supply. Using fermented soybean meal can improve protein

availability and mitigate the negative effects of ANFS

Corn gluten meal: A byproduct of com processing hat is cheap, consistently available, and high

in protein (60-70%). lt must be supplemented with Iysine and arginine for optimal fish growth.

Rice and wheat bran: These are effective energy and carbohydrate sources, often combined with

higher-protin meals o create balanced, low-cost feeds.

Mustard oil cake: A locally available and costefíectivo protein source. Studies show that feeds
containing mustard oil cake and fishmeal can increase fish growth and production over

conventional feeds

Inseot-based meals

6. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae meal: These larvae can be grown on organic waste and have a high
protein content and a balanced amino acid profile. They have shown promising results in trials on

yellow catfish, rainbow trou, and Atlantic salmon,

Mealworm meal: Trials show that mealworm meal can effectively replace a portion of fishmeal in
the diets of omnivorous fish like catfish and rainbow trout without compromising growth or

heal

Waste and byproduet utilization

Using nutrien-rich waste and agricultural byproduets can dramatically lower feed expenses.

Silkworm pupae waste: In India, trial with carp fingerings demonstrated that feeds supplemented
with defated silkworm pupae waste provided more effective growth than conventional feeds,

Poultry and meat byproducts: Meals derived from chicken or meat byproducts can be used 10
replace a portion of expensive fishmeal inthe diet of carnivorous species.

Fermented food waste: Some farmers use kitchen and restaurant waste as a low-cost feed

Natural food sources

For pond-based aquaculture, enriching natural food production can decrease reliance on

manufactured feeds.

Plankton promotion: Careful pond fertilization promotes the growth of natural plankton, which
can provide a significant food source and reduce the amount of supplemental feed required.

Duckweed: Duckweed grown via aguaponics or in a dedicated pond is a sustainable and viable

food source for herbivorous fish like tilapia

Management practices to reduce feed costs

In addition to ingredient choice, several management strategies can help reduce per-hectare feed

‘Optimize Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): A lower FCR means fish are converting feed into biomass
more efficiently, reducing waste and cost, Choosing high-quality, digestible feeds with balanced
nutrients is key

7. Adjust feeding frequency and timing: Creating a feeding schedule that matches the fish's natural

behavior and can maximize feed consumption and minimize waste. Some studies
show that feeding on alternate days can save a significant amount of feed without negatively
y Fish growth

‘operations, automated feeding systems ean ensure precise and

consistent feeding, preventing overfeeding and reducing labor costs

Manage stocking density: Maintaining an appropriate stocking density prevents overcrowding,

‘which can stress fish, reduce their appetite, and increase the risk of disease.

Improve water quality: Poor water quality can stress ish, causing them to cat less and utilize feed
less efficiently. Regularly monitoring and managing water parameters like dissolved oxygen, pH,

and ammonia is essential for good feed wilization

Example calculation for deduction per hectare

While the exact cost reduction per hectare varies based on species, location, and specific feed
ingredients, simple example for tilapia shows the potential savings:

A 2021 study found that using a local, low-cost feed formulation for tilapia cost

approximately $25,130 per hectare annually, compared to $33,509 for commercial feeds

This represents a potential cost deduction of $8,379 per hectare per year by simply switching to a

cheaper, yet effective, feed formulation

Estimated cost deduction per hectare

While a precise figure for cost deduction per hectare depends on fluctuating market prices and
regional practices, a general estimate can be formulated based on typical scenarios.

Example based on historical data

A 2022 economic analysis of L. vannamei farming in Punjab, India, found that feed costs
averaged approximately Rs 10.5 lakh per hectare, representing a significant portion of the total

variable costs

If a farmer adopts a strategy of partially eplacit à with more affordable options like
plant proteins and utlizing better feeding management

A 20% reduction infeed expenses is a realistic and achievable tar

8. This would translate to a deduction of around Rs 2.1 lakh per hectare. (S10.5 lakh * 20%
Takly,

Implementin rt and technology could achie

Innovative companies involved in shrimp feed production and adding value to fish proce
by-products have been recognised in India’s 2020 National Fisheri

¡Sai Aqua Feeds, a startup from Andhra Pradesh which adopted technology developed by the
ICAR-Ceniral Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) to formulate shrimp E
won the Best Fisheries Enterprises award, Called Vannamei Plus, the feed can reduce the!
production cost in shrimp aquaculture by 20 percent. It was developed as an alternative to cost
reign feeds in line withthe Indian govemment’s “Make in India” drive

In shrimp aquaculture, the feed constitutes around 60 per cent of the production cost. Further
this Desi Feed is a compliment to shrimp feed sector in India, which is mostly led by multi-
ational feed companies,” said Dr KK Vijayan, director of CIBA.

The company started operation in 2017 and has recorded an average annual production of 2.585

omnes, Many hip farms in Gomur dise remained unite by he Covi induced

Tockdown, as the company managed to supply them with feeds. Apart from Andhra Pradesh, the
pany is also able to supply farmers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha.
ambikkai Fish Farmers group in Tamil Nadu has won this year's “Best Fisher

Group” award instituted by the National Fisheries Development Board under

Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dair

FThe self-help group from Pattinapakkam in Chennai b aed for successfully adopting

the technology — conversion of fish wastes into value-added products — developed by the

Central Institue of Brackishwater Aquaculture, The products have been developed under

ICIBA’s ‘Waste to Wealth” initiative + Swachh Bharat mission ofthe central

The group produced over 16 tonnes of value-added products and attained an annual turnover of

Rs, 1.68 million. The group has seven members, al! from the Scheduled Cast community, and]

four of them are women. Despite the pandemic, the group managed to cam Rs. 2 lakhs

livelihood support by collecting fish waste and fish trimmings from processing companies and
market

This technology of CIBA has the potential to propagate across the country in cleaning the ish.

markets and also providing altemative livelihood to many as a circular economy.” said Dr

This award is a recognition of our hard work and gives enormous confidence 10 ups

production,” said T Kennit Raj head of the group. “The CIBA’s training was very much.

effective in materalisng its technology in a viable wa

9. Low-cost commercial feed for hectare (ha) of vannamei shrimp is not a fixed figure but
depends on factors like feed type, location, and management practices. Locally sourced feeds can
range fiom 214 to 225 per kg, significantly lower than imported feeds at 230 to 245 per

However, the total cost per hectare requires calculating the Feed conversion ratio (FCR)
which isthe amount of feed needed to produce Ikg of shrimp, and multiplying it by the total
Kilograms of shrimp produced per hectare

Feed Type:

(Commercial feeds vary in price based on ingredients, protein content, and brand,

al vs. Imported:

Using locally sourced ingredients can substantially reduce costs compared to imported feeds

Management Practices:

Intensive and extensive systems will have differen feed requirements and costs

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):
The FCR indicates how much feed is required to grow 1 kg of shrimp. A lower FCR is more

Estimating your cost

1. Determine your FCR:

This is the most crucial factor. For example, an FCR of 1.5 means you need 1.5
produce 1 kg of shrimp.

2. Estimate your harvestable biomass:

This is the total weight of shrimp you expect to harvest from your I-heetare pond

3. Calculate total feed needed:

Muliply your expected biomass by your FCR. For instance, for a harvest of 12,000
seen in one study) with an FCR of 1.5, you'd need 18,000 kg of feed.

4. Multiply by feed price:
Use the cost of your chosen low-cost feed to caleulate the total cost. For example, 18,000 kg of
feed at 220/kg would be £360,000 per hectare

Example (Hypothetical)

Target Yield: 12,000 ky/ha of vannamei shrimp

10. FCR: 1.5 (meaning 1.5 kg of feed produces I kg of shrimp)
Total Feed Required: 12,000 kg * 1.5 = 18,000 kg
Low-cost Feed Price: 220/Kg (a hypothetical average for locally made feed)

Estimated Total Feed Cost per H 18.000 kg * 2201Kg = 13.60.0001

‘Stocking Density: The numberof shrimp per hectare

Average Body Weight (ABW): The weight ofthe shrimp at a given ti

Feed Conversion FC ato of fe ci shrimp.

"Total Feed (ke)
‘Total Feed (k
Example

IF you have a stocking density of 200,000 shrimp per hectare and an ABW and your FOR
is 1.2, then the total feed required is: 200,000 shrimp and 0.014 kg/shrimp
hect

11. Low cost aqua inputs esearch for fish and shrimp species wise aquaculture inputs cost wise
research Findings

The cost of aqua inputs, primarily feed, can account for over 50% of total production costs for
fish and shrimp

Research into low-cost altematives focuses on species-specific feed formulations, improved
feeding and management strategies, and innovative technologies to reduce feed, chemical, and
energy expenses.

Key low-cost aqua inputs research findings by cost

Aquafeeds: The highest input cost

Research findings:

Alternative protein sources: Using locally available, inexpensive, and sustainable protein sources
an significantly lower feed costs, Examples include disillers dried grain, poultry byproduct

meal, protein-enhanced copra meal, and black soldier fly maggots.

Least-cost formulation: Mathematical models and software combine ingredients in optimal

proportions to meet nutritional requirements at the lowest cost

Farm-made Feeds: Small-scale farmers can use agricultural by-products like rice and maize bran,

Kitchen waste, and fermented feed supplements to create lower-cost feeds,

Mixed feeding schedules: Alternating between high and low-protein diets or feeding on alternate
days can enhance nutrient utilization and cut costs without sacrificing growth, especially for
species like tapis

Species-specific application:

Shrimp (Penaeid species): Functional feeds with immune-enhancing additives improv

and survival rates, reducing long-term costs, Indigenous feed technologies for species

like Penaeus monodon have been shown to eut production costs by up to 20%

12. à (Oreochromis niloticus): Greenwater systems, where te fish Feed on algae and plants,
supplement or reduce the need for commercial feed, Research shows altemate-day feeding can

save up 10 40% on feed costs,

Carp (Indian Major Carps): Integrated fish farming systems that use compost, manure, and

vermicomposting to fertilize ponds effectively lower feed and ferilizer cost.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos): Altemate-day feeding schedules reduced feed expenses by over 30%

ed fish in research ral.

Pond management and water quality: A secondary, yet significant, cost

Research

Probiotics and fermentation: Using fermented probiotics can regulate bacteria loads and

minimize disease outbreaks, reducing the need for expensive antibiotics and chemicals.

Low-cost monitoring systems: DIY water quality monitoring systems with sensors and Arduino
boards provide cost-effective tracking of crucial parameters like pH, temperature, and turbidity

Greenwater technology: For planktivorous fish like tilapia and carp, this technique promotes
natural food production through managed pond fertilization, reducing reliance on costly
supplemental feeds.

Species-speciic application:

Shrimp: Biofloc technology (BET) and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) improve water
quality and minimize disease risks, leading to optimized feed wilization and improved

productivity
Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) This hardy species tolerates adverse water conditions,

making it suitable for culture in derelict water bodies and lowering costs associated with water

Infrastructure and technology: A higher upfront cost with long-term savings

Research

13. Low-cost RAS and IoT systems: Small-scale indoor RAS using Internet of Things (loT)

{technologies and low-cost equipment can reduce labor and maintenance cost

Hybrid pond systems: Aquaponies systems, which integrate horticulture with aquaculture, us

local materials to lower construction costs and increase resilience against floods,

Species-specifie application:

la Mahseer (Tor d ), Tilapia, and Mad Carp (Leptobarbus hoevenii: These speci
dv in low-cost indoor smar-recireulating aquaculture systems
: Polyculture in aguaponics systems maximizes the use of ecological

niches and local materials for low-cost setups

Cost-reduction strategies overview

14. À I-hectare (ha) shrimp pond requires approximately

(m) of water to maintain the recommended 1.5-2.0 meter depth, with the total wate
volume dependent on the el. The cost of water varies significantly
by region and source, but for many areas, water costs can be considered negligibl

are accounted for in the infrastructure and energy costs for pumping and treatment,
with specific prices not readily available for a general "per crop cycle” calculation due
to these variables

Water Requirement per 1 Ha Pond
pth. For a

1.5 m depth = 10,000 m? x 1.5 m = 15,000 m’ of water

2.0 m depth = 10,000 m? x 2.0 m = 20,000 m? of water

À I-hectare shrimp pond requires about 10,000 - 15,000 cubic meters (m?) of water
for a 6-month cycle, assuming a depth of | to 1.5 meters, with water exchange up to
30% daily for a recirculating system to maintain water quality. The cost of water is
highly variable, but can be estimated by multiplying the water requirement by the
local water price, with farmers potentially spending 26,000 - 29,000 per crop if water
costs 2600/1000m

15. For a I-hectare (10,000 m?) pond with a water depth of 1.0 - 1.5 meter, the total volume is
approximately 10,000 to 15.000 eubic met

30% may be necessary, depending on the water quality. A more
vanced recirculating system will retain initial

intake, but requires significant initial water to fill reservoirs a
ost of Water

factors: The cost of water varies significantly by region and source

Calculation Example: If the water cost is 2600 per 1,000 cubie meters, and the requirement is
15,000 cubie meters for a 6-month eye, the total water cost would be approximately 29,000
(15,000 m * 2600/1000 ny = 29,000

Other Costs: Farmers also need to consider the cost of pumping, energy for pumps, and
chemicals used in water trearmen

Important Considerations

System Type:
The cost of water can be significantly reduced in a recirculating system if a high-quality water
source is available to initially fill the reservoirs, and if pond water is effectively treated and

roused.