August 16, 2007

Russia aims to double fish consumption through aquaculture

The average Russian is expected to double his fish consumption in the next five to six years, according to Andrei Krainy, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo).

Per capita consumption currently is 12 kg. To achieve the goal, fish output would have to be increased and Rosrybolovstvo would strive to make prices affordable to the masses.

There is still some way to go before the agency can achieve its goal. Aquaculture accounts for only 100,000 tonnes of fish products, while Russia's population is some 145 million, Krainy said.

In aquaculture, China is way ahead of Russia, with millions of tonnes of fish products produced each year. Russia has a huge untapped potential where aquaculture is concerned, Krainy said.

Minister of Agriculture Alexei Gordeyev said aquaculture is a promising sector and is encouraging the private sector to engage more actively in the area.