INAUGURATION
12, Nov, 2024
Spirulina lab opened in Vignan
The Spirulina lab was inaugurated by the Department of Biotechnology in the Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Vadlamudi Vignan’s University in Chebrolu mandal on Tuesday, vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Col. P. Nagabhushan said. Prof. O.N. Tiwari, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi and Dr. Lavu Rathaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, were present at the event and inaugurated the laboratory and unveiled the brochure. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor said that while spirulina can be processed and delivered to consumers in various forms such as powder, capsules, tablets, etc., spirulina can also be converted into products like protein bar and edible snacks. "Spirulina has tremendous demand in the international market and it can be exported and earned foreign exchange and also benefited the country's economy. The demand for healthy foods is on the rise nowadays and it is easily accepted in the market as spirulina has nutritional properties. Spirulina, also known as a superfood, is rich in proteins and provides 60–70% significant nutritional value. One gram of spirulina is nutritionally equivalent to 300 grams of fruits, vegetables or meat. The value of phycobili proteins in pharmaceuticals is up to Rs 3 lakh per gram.
Spirulina is known to be the most nutritious food and is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals (magnesium, iron, and calcium). With its growth, it is very good for physical health. He said the cultivation of spirulina will increase employment opportunities for farmers in rural areas. It can be started with a small investment, even on a small scale. Spirulina can be grown in a manner that is not harmful to the environment and can be grown with little water and less land requirement. The environmental effects of impurities due to its cultivation are minimal. The nutrients present in spirulina provide the required nutrients to the body in a very short span of time. This will help in overcoming malnutrition. It will play a key role in improving the health of children in particular. He also said that one ton of bio-waste can be converted into compost through a decomposer installed in the lab. The lab has been started with the objective of "Waste to Wealth". Chairman of Vigyan Educational Institutions Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Col. P. Nagabhushan, Registrar Dr. M.S. Raghunathan, Deans, Heads and Students of the respective departments were present on the occasion.
