Maritime

Increasing demand for Tilapia in the local market

January 16, 2019 7:35 am

Tilapia farming is becoming a source of income for many farmers as there’s an increasing demand for the fish in the local market.

The Naduruloulou Research Station in Nausori which is the leading aquaculture institute in the region – yesterday received a major boost to produce more tilapia seeds.

The Japanese government provided financial assistance of over three hundred and seventy-thousand dollars to the station.

Article continues after advertisement

Principal Fisheries Officer, Shalendra Singh says this will help strengthen Fiji’s aquaculture farming.

“Because of our limited capacity in terms of the hatchery and the materials that we use, we can only produce about 1 to 1.5 million babies a year. But our farmers are increasing every year at an exponential rate and we have to be on par with the demand. So with this particular assistance from the Japanese Government and the people of Japan – we hope to not only double but even triple the production of Tilapia in order to meet the demand from the farmers.”

Japanese Ambassador Masahiro Omura says aquaculture is important as it can help reduce the strain on marine resources.

Fisheries Minister, Semi Koroilavesau says the grant is a result of a fruitful discussion with the Japanese ambassador

The assistance was done through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.