February 26, 2008

Trinidad and Tobago looks to develop tilapia farm to reduce food prices
 

Development of a proposed tilapia farm could help to reduce food prices, according to Arnold Piggott, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.

The proposed construction site of the fish farm is in El Socorro, San Juan.

Piggott said the tilapia farming initiative, which aims at providing a cheaper alternative to consumers, is well-received by the government.

Food prices are very high in Trinidad and Tobago, and a production of tilapia could help to reduce food prices, said Piggott.

The tilapia is farmed in many countries and can be cultivated as a single production activity or in integrated agricultural systems, Piggott added.

Tilapia could cost as low as TTD 6 (US$0.96) for three pounds, and popularity is expected as the fish also contains a high level of protein.

Piggott said the government would provide the required support to individuals who are actively involved in the development of the fish farm.

Apart from tilapia farming, the government would press on with the development of other agricultural sectors, with the aim to make Trinidad and Tobago self-sufficient in food, said Piggott.