Announcement Overview

On June 16, 2026, a joint press release issued from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and Zug, Switzerland announced a strategic collaboration between the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Innoterra Limited to develop and scale biotechnology‑driven alternate livestock feed solutions using underutilized crop residues.

Partnership Structure and Participants

The collaboration will involve ILRI working with P V Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Palamur Genetic Services, and Queensland University of Technology to conduct nutrition and on‑station studies on feed material produced by Innoterra and imported from the Australian university. Frank‑Lawale Anuoluwapo, Program Lead of Animal Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Resources at ILRI, highlighted the goal of creating new value chains for crop residues and supporting farmer incomes while reducing methane emissions. Harish Sharma, Director of Innoterra, emphasized the commitment to translate rigorous research into practical solutions that benefit cattle health, the environment, farmers and markets.

Technical Focus Areas

The partnership will explore several biotechnological and processing approaches:

  • Bio‑fermentation utilizing lactic acid bacteria, micro‑algae and molasses to improve feed digestibility and lower methane output.
  • Thermo‑chemical processing and anhydrous ammonia treatments aimed at increasing dry‑matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and voluntary feed intake.
  • Commercialisation studies covering feasibility, techno‑economic analysis, market assessment, cost‑benefit analysis, farmer perception, willingness to pay and supportive policy environments.

A structured, evidence‑led validation process will be followed to ensure the forages are of high quality and locally appropriate.

Roles of the Partners

Innoterra will contribute its proprietary cattle feed formulation expertise, fully automated manufacturing capabilities, and a digital farmer‑outreach platform to scale the solutions. ILRI will provide scientific competence in livestock nutrition, conduct field trials, and validate the nutritional benefits of the upgraded feed.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative seeks to:

  • Enhance livestock productivity through higher digestibility and energy content of the feed.
  • Increase farmer incomes by creating a market for upgraded crop residues.
  • Reduce the environmental footprint of dairy farming by lowering methane emissions associated with low‑quality feed.
  • Establish a scalable ecosystem for alternative feed solutions across smallholder farms.

About the Organizations

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a non‑profit CGIAR research centre co‑hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, dedicated to sustainable livestock research for development across Africa and Asia for five decades.

Innoterra Limited specializes in proprietary cattle feed formulation, operating fully controlled and automated manufacturing facilities. Since launching its MilkLane Aayush brand in 2018, Innoterra has a presence in six South and West Indian states, offering ten specialized feed variants designed to boost milk productivity, improve animal health, promote sustainable farming practices and reduce methane emissions.

Disclaimer

The press release is distributed under an arrangement with Business Wire India; PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.