September 14, 2010

Myanmar's fish farmers gain access to feed imports

Key fish feed ingredients will be imported from India from mid-September, U Win Kyaing, secretary general of Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF) said last week.

Kyaing said that while Myanmar is a large producer of ingredients such as rice bran, and soy, the Ministry of Commerce last month authorised their import to stop local merchants forming a monopoly to control prices.

According to the seasonal cycle, prices rise incrementally from September until December when the next harvest begins reaching markets, which provides a tempting environment for speculators.

"The allowing of imports reduces the anxiety of fish farmers about potential feed price rises and this decision will help to stabilise prices. In turn, this allows farmers to get on with their work," Kyaing said.

U Than Lwin, chairman of the Ngwe Zar Pale fish farming company, said the price of imported rice bran is only K10 a viss lower than locally produced bran. However, he said the aim of the imports was to circumvent any attempt to corner domestic production by ensuring a steady supply of imports at a lower price.

The cost of buying fish feed constitutes about 80% of total fish farming costs.