The ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru has got the patent on the use of Tamarind seed husk to ameliorate enteric methane emission in ruminants. This will be a giant step towards reducing the enteric methane emission in livestock through this “Green Technology” and a classic example of “Waste to Wealth”.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, ICAR-NIANP initiated comprehensive and systematic research for developing the farmers’ friendly and economically viable technologies for the methane amelioration from livestock.
The tamarind (Tamarindus indica, common name in Hindi Imli) is grown in more than 50 countries worldwide. India alone annually produces more than 98 thousand metric tonnes of tamarind. Its seed is roasted for removing the outer covering (dark brown in color) and the inside white colored seed is used for extraction of starch. The Tamarind seed husk is an agricultural waste and constitutes 35% of the decorticated seed. Generally, it is used as a manure and sometimes, biomass fuel in replacement to wood and any other alternate biomass fuels. The tamarind seed husk contains 13% to 15% of tannins (a natural polyphenolic compound) and highly effective in the modulation of rumen fermentation. The husk is relatively inexpensive and costs only Rs. 3 to 4 per kilogram. The systematic studies in different livestock species have established that a reduction of about 17% to 20% in enteric methane emission is achievable by inclusion of Tamarind Seed Husk in the ruminant diet, without any adverse effect.
(Source: ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru)
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