Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
V Sankar, P Senthilkumar, N Sribalaji, P Nalini and J Muralidharan

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate the production cost of fresh azolla and shade-dried azolla. Azolla pit of 5 m X 5 m with 0.3 m depth was made and 24 ft X18 ft, 160 GSM tarpaulin was spread over the pit thensoft soil to a height of 20 cmwas spread over the sheet. Then the pit was filled with three-fourth levels of water, 20 kg of cow dung dissolved in 30 litres of water was added to the pit and the fresh azolla culture 6 kg was added to the pit. Azolla was multiplied rapidly and it was ready for harvest in 7-8 days. Azollaharvested and dried under the shade for 48 hours. The shade-dried azolla was ground to reduce the particle size (3 mm) and used for experimental feeding. The average production of fresh and dried azolla was 1350 kg and 137.7 kg respectively from the pit of 25 m². The ratio of shade-dried azolla produced from fresh azolla was 1:10. The shade-dried azolla can be stored for a long time and can be used as a replacement for protein in the conventional concentrate mixture. Based on the recurring expenses the unit cost production of one kg fresh and shade-dried azolla was Rs 1.26 and Rs 14.52 respectively. This shade-dried azolla cost about half of the cost of the concentrate mixture.