ICAR–IARI has concluded a four-day national training programme that underscored India’s growing momentum in microalgae-based agribusiness and nutraceutical innovation. Organised by the ZTM & BPD Unit in collaboration with CCUBGA and the Division of Microbiology, the programme brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, and field practitioners for an intensive immersion into Spirulina cultivation, downstream processing, and value-added product development. Inaugurated by Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), the inaugural session framed Spirulina as a future-ready bioresource—nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, and strategically positioned for India’s expanding functional foods and health supplement markets.

Over the four days, participants engaged with the full spectrum of Spirulina production—from biomass harvesting, drying, and formulation to the latest technological advancements for scaling Spirulina platensis in commercial systems. Scientists from the Division of Microbiology led deep-dive demonstrations on culture optimisation and product development, while special sessions spotlighted the untapped potential of the Northeast, where favourable climatic conditions could help transform Spirulina cultivation into a powerful driver of rural entrepreneurship.

The cohort later interacted with Dr. Radha Prasanna and other researchers in the Division of Microbiology, touring biofertilizer and mycorrhiza units to understand how microbial technologies intersect with Spirulina innovation in sustainable agriculture.

Industrial exposure formed a crucial component of the training. A visit to a commercial Spirulina facility in Chhapraula, G.B. Nagar, offered participants first-hand insight into large-scale cultivation practices, culture maintenance, downstream processing, and packaging standards. The visit also opened windows into the business mechanics of Spirulina—from quality assurance and branding to market positioning in India’s fast-growing nutraceutical sector.

The programme concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. P.S. Brahmanand, Project Director, Water Technology Centre, who urged participants to leverage the knowledge gained to power innovation-led agribusiness growth and strengthen India’s sustainable food systems. Participants lauded the training for its integrated model combining scientific sessions, laboratory exposure, and industry visits, noting that it significantly enhanced their capacity to pursue Spirulina-based enterprises with both technical confidence and commercial clarity.