Fish farmers in India have increased access to high-quality feed this year, as Cargill opens its first feed mill dedicated to fish species in the country. The mill, located in the city of Vijayawada and acquired from Mulpuri Foods & Feeds, reflects the company's commitment to bring farmers safe, high-quality aqua feed solutions. It also marks an important step in Cargill's work to develop its aqua feed business in India and across Asia.
The plant is strategically located in the Andhra Pradesh region - considered the capital of farm raised aquaculture in India - and produces fish feed products for tilapia and other warm water species. Cargill currently works with toll millers in the region, selling about 30,000 tons of fish feed a year. The new plant, with a capacity of 90,000 tons per year, enables Cargill to triple its fish feed capacity in India to better serve customers in the region.
"This is a vibrant market and we're excited to better serve farmers across Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Bengal," said Chad Gauger, managing director of Cargill aqua nutrition in South Asia. "The new facility positions us to better meet their demand, as the country will soon become the most populous in the world."
Cargill invested more than US$10 million in the opening of the plant, which also bring around 200 new jobs to the region.
"India presents great opportunities for Cargill and plays an important part in our aqua nutrition growth strategy in Asia", said Einar Wathne, president of Cargill Aqua Nutrition. "The plant leverages Cargill's industrial and supply chain capabilities, as well as our innovation expertise to provide customers with the best possible feed solutions, helping them grow healthy seafood and increase their output."
The new feed plant marks the introduction of Cargill's EWOS brand of aqua nutrition fish feed products to India. The EWOS brand offers fish farmers deep expertise in aquaculture nutrition, combined with groundbreaking research into fish health and sustainable innovations.
The plant will open January 24, 2018.
