August 24, 2007

Malaysia wants greater participation in tilapia farming

Malaysia's Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he hopes to see greater participation from the private sector in tilapia farming due to popular demand for the fish.

Speaking at the launch of the International Tilapia 2007 Seminar in Malaysia, he said the tilapia was popular globally as it was adaptable to a wide range of conditions, adding that the fish was now one of the most popular farmed fish.

Delegates from Europe, America and Asia would discuss potential markets for the fish at the three-day seminar.

Tilapia has developed into one of the most important species after salmon and shrimp, he said.

In 2005, the global production of tilapia was about 2.3 million tonnes and the trade was concentrated among a few countries, with the US and Canada being the largest consumers, said Muhyiddin. China was the largest producer of tilapia with its production reaching almost a million tonnes. It is also the largest exporter, he added.

Muhyiddin encouraged Malaysian businesses to join in the trade as yields were likely to increase in the future. Last year, Malaysia's aquaculture industry recorded production of about 203,000 tonnes valued at RM1.3 billion (US$372 million).