Waste to wealth: Growing potential of Black Soldier Fly farming in Bangladesh

The Black Soldier Fly has become a life-changing venture for Shimul Hossain from Parsidhai area in Pabna's Atghoria upazila. Within just four years, Shimul paid off a debt of Tk16 lakh and now runs two successful farms, one in his local area and another in Cox's Bazar. 

His monthly income is between Tk1.5-Tk2 lakh.

Black Soldier is actually the larva of a species of fly, longer than typical flies. These larvae primarily feed on organic waste such as food scraps, poultry manure and decaying matter. Experts believe that Black Soldiers can replace conventional fish and poultry feed due to their high nutritional value and lower cost.

Shimul's story is one among many where entrepreneurs, through insect farming, are rejuvenating their financial circumstances. After earning a diploma in fashion design from a private institution in Pabna, Shimul worked in Dhaka. 

"Driven by an interest in agriculture, I left my job in 2018 and started raising ducks. I faced significant financial strains, taking out a loan of Tk18 lakh," says Shimul, now in his late 20s.

However, through YouTube videos, Shimul got interested in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming and underwent training at Mymensingh Agricultural University. He then conducted his own market research and devised a strategy to start farming these insects. 

Along the way, he secured loans, training, market access, and technical support from the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project, implemented by the Program for Community Development (PCD) in Pabna.

In just three years, Shimul turned his business around. He now produces 300kg of larvae daily, valued at around Tk72,000. He sells these larvae locally and to businesses in Dhaka, providing employment for ten people at his farm. Shimul is now expanding his operations in Cox's Bazar with an investment of Tk30 lakh. 

"Initially, people thought I was crazy dealing with insects," says Shimul. "But now, I export BSF pupae to countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, where entrepreneurs have started BSF farming." 

BSF farming is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative in poultry and fish farming due to its high protein content (43%-55%) compared to conventional feed (which contains up to 33%). The larvae are also cost-effective, with production costs as low as Tk10-Tk12 per kg, and can be sold for Tk50-Tk80.

Md Shafiqul Alam, executive director of PCD in Pabna, highlighted the vital support for agribusiness entrepreneurs like Shimul in driving rural development. 

"With the training and assistance provided, Shimul has become one of the top Black Soldier Fly producers in the country. We are committed to nurturing countless entrepreneurs like him, who will play a key role in strengthening the future of our rural economy. Black Soldier Fly farming is just one shining example of this vision," he told The Business Standard.

Farming method

The BSF larvae are placed in nets and kept in well-ventilated areas. After mating, the adult flies lay eggs, which hatch into larvae after 8-10 days. These larvae are then grown into mature forms in 20-30 days and used as feed for poultry and fish. The adult fly's lifespan is 8-10 days, during which it produces 900-1,000 pupae.

Experts highlight the fact that BSF larvae can be fed on poultry offal, rotten fish or any waste material. It is not only nutritious but also environmentally friendly.

Abdus Salam, a former professor at Bangladesh Agricultural University's Aquaculture Department, has conducted 12 years of research on BSF, highlighting its potential in improving the fisheries and poultry industries by providing an affordable and protein-rich feed source.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global growth rate of BSF farming will exceed 34% annually by 2030. Currently, the domestic market for fish and poultry feed is valued at over 986 crore taka, and the feed industry has grown by 25% in the past decade.

The government's Department of Livestock estimates there are around 60,000 poultry farms and over 5,000 fish farms in the country. As demand rises, the number of poultry and fish farms continues to increase.

In 25 districts, more than 280 entrepreneurs are commercially farming Black Soldier Flies, producing over 70 tons per month, worth around Tk50 lakh. Various NGOs are working with the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project to support these entrepreneurs in the production and marketing of high-value products. 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and DANIDA are funding these efforts.

Md Fazlul Kader, managing director of PKSF, said BSF farming has the potential to be a cornerstone for rural entrepreneurship and economic development. 

"By turning waste into valuable resources, this industry can play a critical role in strengthening Bangladesh's economy," he said.