The Upper East Regional Directorate of the Fisheries Commission has trained selected fish farmers on the production and use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as an alternative protein source for fish feed.
The two-day Trainers of Trainers (ToT) workshop, held from August 11 to 12, 2026, at the Fisheries Commission’s Regional Office in Bolgatanga, is aimed at helping farmers reduce the rising cost of aquaculture production through locally produced feed ingredients.
The Upper East Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Sarah Bachon-Ene Mwinibuobu Bamie, said BSF larvae could provide a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional fishmeal.
She said the training was designed to equip participants with practical skills in rearing, harvesting, processing and incorporating BSF larvae into fish feed.
“The training aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills in BSF larvae production, promoting the use of BSF larvae as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative protein source in aquaculture,” she said.
According to her, the participants are expected to share the knowledge with fish farmers in their respective zones to promote local production of quality protein feed ingredients.
Participants were drawn from fish farms in Talensi, Nabdam, Bongo, Bolgatanga and Kassena-Nankana, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Regional Coordinating Council.
The first day focused on the biology and life cycle of the Black Soldier Fly, site selection, facility requirements, substrate preparation, feeding, rearing, harvesting and processing.
Participants also learned how BSF larvae can be incorporated into fish feed and the economic and environmental benefits of the technology.
The second day involved practical sessions, including setting up a breeding cage for adult Black Soldier Flies, preparing suitable substrates for larvae production and establishing nests for egg collection.
Some participants described the training as timely, saying the technology could help address one of the major challenges confronting fish farmers, the high cost of feed.
They expressed optimism that producing protein locally through BSF larvae would reduce production costs and improve productivity and the sustainability of aquaculture in the Upper East Region.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com|102.7 MHz| David Azure| Bolgatanga
