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Duckweed Revolutionizes Farm Feed in Andhra Pradesh

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 22:04 GMT by The Hans India

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Duckweed: The Tiny Aquatic Plant That’s Revolutionising Feed for Poultry, Fish and Cattle Farms in Andhra Pradesh

In a climate‑conscious era where every farmer is looking for low‑cost, high‑yield solutions, a humble aquatic plant is drawing attention across the Indian sub‑continent. The recent article published by The Hans India (link: https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/duckweed-offers-feed-for-poultry-aqua-cattle-farms-1024732) details how duckweed (scientific name Lemna spp.) is being used as an alternative feed source for poultry, aqua‑cattle (fish) and livestock farms in Andhra Pradesh. By following the story’s internal links, the piece provides a comprehensive overview of the science, the practicalities, and the potential economic impact of this green revolution.

1. What is Duckweed and Why It Matters

Duckweed is a floating plant that thrives in freshwater bodies—slow‑moving ponds, irrigation channels and even fish farms. Its defining characteristics are its rapid growth rate (doubling in as little as 24–48 hours), a tiny size (often less than a millimetre in length) and a remarkably high protein content—ranging from 30 % to 45 % of its dry weight, depending on cultivation conditions. The plant’s other virtues include:

• Low water requirement – it can grow on marginal water sources that are otherwise unsuitable for agriculture.
• High nutrient uptake – it removes excess nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants, helping to keep aquaculture ponds clean.
• Carbon sequestration – the biomass can absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, making it a potential tool for climate mitigation.

These attributes make duckweed a compelling candidate for “on‑farm” feed production, especially for livestock sectors that depend heavily on imported soy, fish meal and other protein sources.

2. The Science Behind Duckweed Feed

The article cites a collaborative research project between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and the Central Institute for Research on Grape & Wine (CIRGW), which has established that duckweed can replace 20–30 % of conventional poultry feed without compromising bird growth or health. Dr. Anil Kumar, the project lead, explains that the plant’s amino acid profile closely matches that of soy, the benchmark for protein quality in animal feeds.

The IIT study also demonstrated that, when mixed with a small amount of roughage (e.g., chopped sugarcane bagasse), duckweed can support growth rates in broiler chickens that are comparable to those achieved with traditional diets. A second experiment, highlighted in the article, examined the plant’s use in aquaculture: fish species such as tilapia and catfish can ingest duckweed directly, which serves as a primary source of protein and reduces the need for processed fishmeal.

3. Farmers’ Perspectives: From Theory to Practice

In the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s agrarian belt, the article follows several pioneering farmers who have integrated duckweed into their operations:

• Poultry House of Mr. G. Reddy – In his 10‑yard co‑op, Reddy has set up a small duckweed pond on the back‑yard of his poultry farm. He feeds his chickens a blend of duckweed‑enriched feed and local grains. Over the past year, he reports a 12 % reduction in feed costs, with no negative impact on weight gain or egg production.
• Fish Farm of Ms. S. Kumari – Kumari runs a 3 ha tilapia pond. She now supplies duckweed harvested from a controlled pond within her farm. The fish consume the plant directly, which cuts her fishmeal expense by almost 35 %. In addition, the plant’s presence keeps water quality high, reducing disease outbreaks.
• Cattle Ranch of the Reddy family – The family has experimented with duckweed as a supplement for milking cows. While cows do not consume duckweed directly, it is mixed into a silage batch, providing an extra protein source that improves milk yield and quality.

The article underscores that these pilots were financed through a small grant from the Andhra Pradesh State Agriculture Development Authority (AP‑SADA), which encourages adoption of innovative feed solutions.

4. Economic Viability and Scale‑up Opportunities

A critical link in the article leads to a government report from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, which estimates that if duckweed could replace 25 % of the protein component in poultry feed nationwide, India could save approximately ₹5 billion (USD 55 million) annually. The cost of establishing a small duckweed pond is modest: land and water are readily available, and the plant can be cultivated in a shallow 2‑meter‑deep pond or in a controlled pond system with automatic aeration. The initial capital outlay—roughly ₹20,000 per pond—can be recouped in 6–8 months.

In addition, the article highlights the potential for a “duckweed value chain” that includes:

1. Pond management and harvest – simple manual or mechanical harvesting is possible.
2. Drying and milling – the plant can be sun‑dried or low‑energy drum‑dried, then milled into a feed powder.
3. Feed formulation – mixing with staple grains or as a direct additive.
4. Distribution – local feed mills can incorporate duckweed, while large‑scale distributors can offer ready‑to‑use blends.

Such a chain could open up job creation in rural communities, providing livelihoods for harvesters, millers and small‑scale feed producers.

5. Environmental and Sustainability Gains

The article’s environmental link points to a recent publication in the Journal of Cleaner Production, which found that duckweed cultivation can significantly lower the carbon footprint of animal production. By absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorus, the plant reduces eutrophication risk—a major concern in India’s heavily utilized aquaculture ponds. Moreover, as a fast‑growing biomass, duckweed can be harvested continuously, keeping the carbon sequestration benefits steady over time.

Another link references a policy brief from the National Fisheries Development Board, which advocates for duckweed as part of a “bio‑feed” strategy. The brief argues that such strategies align with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, offering a tangible way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector.

6. Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its promise, the article notes several hurdles that need to be addressed:

• Standardisation of feed quality – Ensuring consistent protein levels requires controlled cultivation, especially in variable climates.
• Processing infrastructure – Small‑scale farmers currently lack access to drying and milling equipment.
• Regulatory approvals – While duckweed is safe, any new feed ingredient must pass quality assurance tests before large‑scale adoption.
• Farmer education – Many smallholders are unfamiliar with the plant’s cultivation and harvesting techniques.

To tackle these challenges, the article mentions a forthcoming state‑level “Duckweed Demonstration Farm” that will serve as a training hub for farmers, feed millers and agricultural extension officers. The program will showcase best practices in pond design, harvesting methods, and feed formulation.

7. Takeaway

The piece from The Hans India paints a promising picture: duckweed, once an overlooked weed of ponds, is emerging as a versatile, sustainable feed source that can cut feed costs, reduce environmental impact and empower farmers across Andhra Pradesh. By weaving together scientific research, farmer testimonies, economic analyses and policy context, the article provides a compelling case for why this tiny plant deserves a prominent place in the future of India’s poultry, aqua‑cattle and livestock industries. As the sector moves toward climate‑resilient and cost‑effective practices, duckweed stands ready to offer a green, protein‑rich solution that could ripple across the nation’s food‑production systems.