“56 trainees to graduate from two-week aquaculture course”
– Participants get hands on training during tour of Aquaculture farm at Canal #2
– Course funded by the Chinese government
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Fifty-six trainees who are currently participating in the Overseas Training Course on Aquaculture, in Guyana, were given a first-hand look at field operations, during a tour of the Sweet Water Aqua Farm at Canal #2 West Bank Demerara.
The participants include persons from the private sector, government, civil society and the security services.
The course which began on November 28 and ends on December 11th saw the participants undergoing training in the care of freshwater fish, production systems and feeding and harvesting.
According to Nakita Dookie, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Wednesday’s visit afforded participants the opportunity to handle the fish and identified the gender.
“Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector within the international economy, FAO estimates that by 2050 fish harvested from aquaculture farms will make up more than 50 percent of the market,” Dookie said.
Aquaculture products are currently not exported, however, according to the Fisheries Officer, tremendous growth in this sector is expected. “Guyana has species that can be expanded upon” … farmers are very enthusiastic about framing new species.”
The Government sees aquaculture development as a measure to promote agriculture diversification, improve food security, increase the availability of high-value protein food and improve environmental benefits.
Although still in its developmental stages, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture continues to work with local farmers to develop this sector.
Felecia Valenzuela
Photo: Jules Gibson