West Shrimp Farmer Naveen Chand Leads by Example
Commercial aquaculture is playing an increasing role in providing protein for communities around the globe, having surpassed wild capture fish as the world’s main producer of seafood. That trend will continue as the planet’s population increases by 2 billion by 2050.
The farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants implies some sort of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators, etc. Farming also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock being cultivated, the planning, development and operation of aquaculture systems, sites, facilities and practices, and the production and transport.
Fiji like the rest of the world is keen on growing the sector as it will assist communities and individuals in achieving food and income security and create some sort of buffer for the overharvest of reef fish.
Ministry aims to grow the sector
The key responsibilities of the Ministry’s aquaculture division are to manage and coordinate aquaculture activities in Fiji to achieve the effective management and sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.
The division provides advisory services to stakeholders on relevant policies, regulations, and technology to enable sustainable aquaculture development. It also oversees the operations of all the hatcheries, including monitoring all cultured species production, distribution and marketing.
Other roles include farm development activities, monitoring of existing farms, providing training, conducting and coordinating research and disseminating information on aquaculture development. Furthermore, the division works with other line government agencies and private sector on aquaculture issues, to ensure sustainable aquaculture practices and ensure national food security and income generation.
The division is responsible for the administration of the national freshwater species hatchery in Naduruloulou and satellite hatcheries in Ba, Dreketi and Caboni, and marine species hatchery at Galoa. The ministry’s key cultured species are marine shrimp, sandfish, seaweed, freshwater prawns, tilapia, grass carp, ornamental fish. Other species of interest for research and culture include giant clams and blacklip pearl oysters.
Naveen Chand makes the most of assistance
Naveen Chand of Lovu, Lautoka has been involved with aquaculture farming for years and his interest grew after he was assisted under the Ministry’s Aquaculture Food Security Programme back in 2015/2016.
After several site visits from ministry officials, his site was selected and a pond was constructed. An earthen pond was dug right beside his house due to its proximity to brackish water.
“Due to salt water intrusion, I knew that I had to protect the banks of the pond and the Ministry assisted me with the construction of a cement fence. I was assisted again in
2020/2021 and have been on the go since then,” smiled Mr Chand.
Last week, 20,000 shrimp post larvae (PL’s) were deployed to his farm and this will be an additional source of income for his family. “the Ministry continues to visit and advice me on my farm development. It has certainly made my farming programme easier knowing that technical experts are assisting me every step of the way,” smiled Mr Chand.
The 58-year old says that during his partial harvest in December last year, he managed to rake in quite a bit of profit.
“I was selling at $40 per kilogramme and the demand was really high. I was supplying a small amount compared to the demand from hotels and restaurants. There are plans to expand and I am really grateful for the assistance so far. It has enabled me to learn more about shrimp farming and the rules of running as a business,” explained Mr Chand.
He adds that more people in the vicinity
have been asking him about his shrimp farming venture.
“I have given them tips and advice and have asked them to touch base with the Ministry. I believe that if we grow shrimp farming in the vicinity, it will be a win-win situation for all,” he smiled.
“We will be able to grow the sector as well as earn income for our families and that is the ultimate goal. We must really grow the sector in Fiji as we are able to address food security as well as income security,” added Mr Chand.
The state of world fisheries and aquaculture
According to a report published by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2020, world aquaculture fish production reached 82.1 million tonnes, 32.4 million tonnes of aquatic algae and 26 000 tonnes of ornamental seashells and pearls, bringing the total to an all-time high of 114.5 million tonnes.
The growth of aquaculture has been fuelled by the expansion in global trade, declines in the availability of wild fish, competitive product pricing, rising incomes, and urbanization—all of which contribute to rising per capita consumption of seafood worldwide.
Global fish trade remains limited, however, to a relatively small number of species and countries: salmon, shrimp, catfish, and tilapia collectively represent approximately one-third of internationally traded seafood by value, but only 8% of global seafood production.
Aquaculture will continue to grow steadily well into the future as countries will try their best to feed its growing population.
Mr Chand says that there are a lot of opportunities for local farmers and all that is needed is dedication and commitment.
Government commitment
Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Pene Baleinabuli says that Government is committed towards growing the aquaculture sector.
The Ministry of Fisheries acts on Government’s commitment, and is inviting more people to be part of sector.
“Scientific assessments globally point to potential decreases of fish stocks in the sea owing to unsustainable consumption rates and to climate change. It is crucial therefore that Fiji takes a proactive approach. Government is putting significant effort into developing the aquaculture sector. The actual growth will also depend on the interest of individual farmers and communities,” said Mr Baleinabuli.
“If communities work together in growing the sector, I am sure that we will be able to address a lot of our challenges. We will all be encouraged and empowered to increase productivity to meet food security and economic growth needs,” he said.
Expansion plans
Mr Chand is working towards expanding his farm.
“When I construct my second farm, I am sure that I will be able to rake in more interest from my neighbors. They are here every day and asking questions. I know that through more awareness, they too will become interested and take the first step towards starting their own farm.”
Mr Chand is grateful to the Ministry for its continued support over the years.
“Let us work together to grow the aquaculture sector, whether it be tilapia or shrimp farming. It will certainly benefit us for years to come,” he added.
He adds that he has plans to feed the hotels in the West.
“If we grow our cluster here in Lovu, I am sure that we will be able to meet the demand.”
“Come on Fiji, let us work with the Ministry and grow local. We will certainly see the benefits in years to come and help to secure a promising future for our children and grandchildren.”
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