KATHMANDU, MAY 6
A youth-led initiative called Innova Circle is piloting a black soldier fly-based system in Nepal that converts organic waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertiliser, aiming to address two pressing challenges simultaneously: the rising cost of poultry feed and the growing problem of unmanaged organic waste across urban and rural areas.
Nepal's poultry sector, valued at over Rs 60 billion annually, is a key pillar of the agricultural economy but remains highly vulnerable. Feed accounts for an estimated 70 to 80 percent of total production costs, largely driven by dependence on imported soya and fishmeal-based inputs. At the same time, unmanaged organic waste continues to create environmental and logistical challenges across the country, acccording to the initiative.
Innova Circle's model proposes using black soldier fly larvae as a locally produced alternative feed ingredient. The larvae typically contain 40 to 60 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis, making them a nutritionally strong substitute for conventional livestock and poultry feed. Beyond their nutritional value, black soldier fly-based feed systems offer significant economic advantages. Studies and field applications indicate that larvae-based feed can reduce costs by approximately 40 to 50 percent compared to conventional soya or fishmeal-based feeds, with some high-inclusion formulations reporting even greater reductions depending on substitution levels and local production efficiency.
In pilot trials conducted by the Innova Circle team, preliminary calculations and small-scale testing suggest a comparable 35 to 55 percent potential reduction in feed cost, depending on formulation ratios, waste input availability, and processing efficiency. By integrating low-cost rearing systems with data-driven management, the model supports a circular economy approach - transforming organic waste into productive agricultural inputs while reducing dependence on imported feed ingredients.
The initiative is backed under a global youth platform aligned with the United Nations' Global Youth Impact framework, reflecting a broader movement of science-based youth innovation focused on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
While still in its early stages, Innova Circle presents a promising pathway for strengthening Nepal's livestock value chain, improving farmer resilience, and reducing environmental burden. Its proponents say broader impact will depend on investment in further research, scaling support, and integration into national agricultural policy.