Algae-Based Feed Production by a Young Woman from Dorud

Zahra Saki is a creative and motivated young woman from Dorud who has produced algae-based aquatic feed for the first time in the country. She says: “I developed this product with an export-oriented approach to increase foreign exchange earnings.”

According to Fars News Agency in Lorestan — Nasrin Safar Beiranvand, Zahra Saki, 21 years old, whose field of study is fisheries, comes from a family involved in the aquatic feed industry and entered this field due to her interest. This creative and innovative young woman, active in aquatic exports, was inspired by the tastes of foreign consumers to produce feed that results in high-quality fish meat. Ms. Saki believes that if knowledge-based and innovative companies have sufficient working capital, they can play a significant role in production and employment.

We arranged an interview with this creative and innovative young woman on the occasion of her algae-based aquatic feed production, which you can read below.

How did the idea of producing algae-based feed come about?

I work in the laboratory section of the company and am also in contact with fish farmers. Since we are involved in aquatic exports, Russian customers care a lot about the firmness and texture of the fish meat. At the same time, quality of meat is important for consumers. Given that a significant part of fish meat quality depends on feed, water, and oxygen, and since we operate in aquatic feed production, I proposed the idea of using algae, which is a marine plant protein.

When did you come up with this idea and how long has it taken?

I started about a year ago.

How far have you progressed?

So far, we have done research and experiments, fortunately with positive results. We are now seeking to begin production and commercialization soon.

So it worked?

Yes, it works.

What are the benefits of the feed you produce?

Algae increases meat quality.

Is your feed for fingerlings or adult fish?

Our target and plan is for fingerlings because it boosts the immune system, reduces mortality, increases appetite and growth, and improves digestion in fish.

So it’s not suitable for adult fish?

Due to the relatively high price, it is more economically viable for fingerlings, which is a critical growth stage, and therefore more effective.

So you’ve made an innovation in this field?

Yes, we are currently a technology company, and if the idea is patented, our company will be promoted to a knowledge-based company.

Have you thought about the market for your feed?

As I said, our focus is on export fish so that it can generate foreign exchange for the province. Since Lorestan is a hub for cold-water fish farming, we have much to offer in this field, although we also consider other provinces.

Has similar algae-based feed been produced in the country?

As far as I know, algae-based feed has not been produced in the country yet. We are looking to produce it in bulk and introduce it to the market.

How much did you start with?

We started producing this product experimentally and for research with 10 million tomans.

Does producing this feed require machinery and equipment?

For research and experimental purposes, we produced it manually, but bulk production requires machines and equipment.

How much investment do you need to start bulk production?

Since we have machinery and equipment in the factory, the startup capital needed is about 1 to 2 billion tomans.

If bulk production starts, how much employment would be created?

Currently, at Darya Daneh factory, the largest aquatic feed producer in western Iran, 20 to 25 people are employed directly and about 50 indirectly. If this product reaches bulk production, employment could rise to 200 people.

So bulk production capacity exists?

Technically and machinery-wise, yes. Our main issue is working capital; we face liquidity shortages. Otherwise, our technical and scientific capabilities are high.