Conventional waste management often involves land-filling or composting methods that are time-consuming, space-intensive, and inefficient in handling large volumes of organic waste.Novelty: Mahesh Shinde's work leverages BSF larvae to convert organic waste into two valuable by-products: high-protein animal feed (from larvae) and nutrient-rich compost.Efficiency Improvement: BSF larvae process waste in days instead of weeks or months required by traditional methods.Integrated Solution: The process reduces waste, generates revenue, and eliminates odor and pest issues, which are common drawbacks in traditional composting.Sustainability: The protein feed produced is a sustainable alternative to fish meal or soybean meal, reducing dependency on over exploited natural resources.

Life-cycle Contribution: BSF larvae consume organic waste rapidly, converting it into their biomass (rich in proteins and fats) while simultaneously producing frass (larvae excreta) as compost.Metabolic Efficiency: BSF larvae metabolize up to 70% of the organic matter into energy and body mass.

Process: Organic waste is pre-processed (sorted, shredded, and hydrated if necessary).BSF larvae are introduced to the waste, where they consume it rapidly.Larvae are harvested and processed for protein feed. The residual frass is collected and used as compost.

Science:Protein Composition: The harvested larvae are approximately 30% protein and 20% fat, suitable for poultry and aquaculture feed.Compost Composition: The frass contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for plant growth

Experiments conducted at Vigyan Ashram involved studying waste decomposition using BSF larvae.Optimization of conditions (temperature, moisture, and feed type) to enhance larvae growth and waste degradation rates.

Pilot Projects:Implemented at Rajgurunagar Panchayat and municipal sites to validate scalability.Addressed real-world challenges like leachate management and waste sorting.Scaling and Commercialization:Collaboration with Prathin Eco Solutions for large-scale implementation.Partnered with local bodies and communities for regular waste supply,

Publication: Specific details on journal publications aren't provided yet but are expected to include studies on larvae metabolism, protein extraction, and waste-to-compost efficiency.

Patent: No specific patents mentioned; however, process optimizations might lead to patent-worthy developments.Funding Organization:Funding from DST (Department of Science & Technology) for technology development and commercialization.Additional recognition and support through the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship 2024.