NDRI Scholar Wins National Agri Hackathon Award

A research scholar from the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, has brought national recognition to the institute by winning top honours at the National Pune Agri Hackathon 2026, one of India’s largest agricultural innovation competitions. The award-winning innovation, named “ProtoFeeds,” secured first prize in the Renewable Energy and Agricultural Waste Management category. The project focuses on converting organic waste into high-value protein-rich biomass using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae technology, offering a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management while producing alternative feed ingredients for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, goat, and pig farming.

The innovation addresses growing challenges related to urbanization, organic waste accumulation, and environmental pollution by utilizing BSF larvae to efficiently decompose organic waste and convert it into biomass rich in protein, lipids, and essential amino acids. The residual material generated during the process can also be used as an organic bio-fertilizer, supporting circular economy principles and sustainable agriculture. Researchers involved in the project have already conducted extensive studies on protein meal formulations derived from the biomass and have successfully secured a process patent related to the technology.

The award was presented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare during the national-level event. The hackathon also featured participation from innovators, researchers, and agri-entrepreneurs from across the country, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in smart agriculture, waste management, automation, and climate-resilient farming.

The achievement further highlights NDRI’s growing contribution to dairy and agricultural innovation, particularly in areas that support sustainability, resource efficiency, and alternative feed development. Industry experts believe technologies such as ProtoFeeds could play an important role in reducing feed costs, improving waste utilization, and strengthening the environmental sustainability of livestock production systems in the future. (ndri.res.in)

Source: Dairynews7x7 14 June, 2026 Read full article here

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