Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture with Loopworm

In the quest for sustainable agriculture and responsible animal farming, Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri, recent graduates of IIT-Roorkee, embarked on a transformative journey. In late 2019, the duo co-founded Loopworm, a pioneering venture focused on harnessing the potential of insect biotechnology in India. Their mission? To create insect-based protein products that revolutionize animal feeds, benefiting livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and the environment. Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri identified a significant opportunity in the emerging field of insect biotechnology, a relatively untapped sector in India. They recognized the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source and aimed to address the pressing challenges in the agriculture and animal farming industries.

At the heart of Loopworm’s vision is the development of insect-based protein products designed to enhance animal feeds. These products have the potential to bring about a profound shift in animal nutrition, offering numerous benefits over traditional protein sources.

Insects: The Sustainable Protein Solution

The key advantage of using insects as a protein source lies in their minimal environmental impact. Insects require significantly less arable land and potable water compared to many plant-based protein sources. Moreover, insect cultivation generates greenhouse gas emissions that are nearly 2,000 times lower than those produced by composting, the prevalent method for food waste management. Ankit Alok Bagaria emphasizes the importance of this sustainable approach, stating that “insects, by far, cause the least stress on the environment.” This makes them a compelling choice to address the growing demand for protein while reducing the ecological burden. Loopworm is not just limited to insect-based protein for animal feeds; they are exploring the holistic potential of insects in agriculture. Ankit and Abhi aim to utilize every aspect of insects, from their proteins to their skins and droppings.

One promising avenue is the creation of a soil supplement rich in minerals using insect skins and droppings. This supplement has the potential to significantly improve soil quality, contributing to sustainable farming practices and enhanced crop yields. Additionally, Loopworm is venturing into the development of nutritious pet food products based on insect proteins. This innovation aligns with their commitment to providing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives across various sectors.

Insects as a Solution to Antibiotic Overuse:

Insects offer more than just protein; they also provide natural antimicrobial peptides. These peptides can serve as a safe and sustainable alternative to the excessive use of antibiotics in the agricultural sector. By reducing reliance on antibiotics, Loopworm aims to contribute to improved animal health and a healthier food supply chain. Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri have made remarkable strides in their mission to transform agriculture and animal farming through insect biotechnology. Their dedication to sustainability and innovation has garnered support from prominent investors, including Omnivore, WaterBridge, and Titan Capital, with a total of $3.4 million in seed funding.

Loopworm has established its research and development hub in Bengaluru, a thriving hub for technology and innovation. As they continue to refine their insect-based protein products and other offerings, they anticipate collaborating with a multitude of farmers to raise insects sustainably. This collaboration not only holds the promise of revolutionizing agriculture but also contributes to the livelihoods of farmers across India.