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Ref:457/02 |
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BRAZIL
- Oct 14, 2002 |
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Aquaculture production grows |
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The aquaculture sector is growing at a steady pace. This
year production could yield 131,000 tonnes - 20 per cent
more than last year. Tilapia continues to be the most
important species. Other relevant species are catfish, pacu,
tambaqui, trout and pintado (spotted sorubim).
Ministry of Agriculture
statistics show that almost 74,000 tonnes of tilapia were
exported to the US in 2000, as fresh and |
Species farmed include tilapia,
catfish, pacu, tambaqui, trout and pintado.
(Photo:Projeto Pacu) |
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frozen fillets, and whole
frozen. Next year, tilapia production could reach 86,400
tonnes, which could generate USD 50 million in revenue.
Although there is not much
statistical information available about this sector as
small-scale farmers dominate the industry, it is believed
that 52 per cent of the total production is concentrated in
the south, and 24 per cent on the south-east, writes
Panorama Brasil.
Vanice Waldige, of the
national association of aqua-feed manufacturers Anfal-Aqua,
believes that aquaculture has great potential, but farmers
need to focus on improving commercialisation methods and
increase value-added production. They should also organise
promotional campaigns to encourage consumption, putting
emphasis on the beneficial characteristics of fish, he said,
adding that small-scale farmers should join associations and
cooperatives to sell greater quantities of fish to a single
cold store.
On 16 and 17 October, the
First International Congress on
Aquaculture Commercialisation will take place in
Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo. The purpose of this event is to
orientate farmers in aspects related to commercialisation.
Farmers, cold store representatives, restaurants and large
supermarkets from all over the country will participate.
By FIS Latino
Photo courtesy
of:-
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