Small/Large-Scale Production, Cost Benefit Analysis, and Marketing of Spirulina Single Cell Protein

Abstract

The multi-cellular and filamentous cyanobacterium Spirulina sp. has gained substantial predominance in the health sector, food industry, and aquaculture in contemporary times. It has a very high content of macro and micronutrients, essential amino acids, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. In recent years, Spirulina sp. has garnered enormous attention from research fraternity as well as industries as a flourishing source of nutraceutical and pharmaceuticals. It is considered a complete food supplement to combat against malnutrition deficiencies. In developing countries like India, malnutrition is a renowned social challenge that can be defeated by the supplement of Spirulina sp. products in the diet. The commercial cultivation of Spirulina sp. that can be converted into consumable forms (tablets/granules) can be an economic enterprise in India. Such agribusiness has been commenced by an agripreneur under Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) scheme. The agripreneur was interviewed and informed that this agribusiness had a good turnover with low capital investment, and also providing employment opportunities to others.