The potential for aquaculture development in the IRI is substantial as is clearly indicated by the following:
- Yields from existing carp ponds are low and the average can be doubled by application of existing technology;
- marginal land and water required for further expansion of fresh and brackish water aquaculture are available, and
- the present market prices of fish, compared to production costs and to the imminent increase in the price of poultry and meat are favourable.
Moreover, it is expected that the present production from aquaculture-based fisheries (stocked lakes and reservoirs) can be increased also, though it is difficult to state at this stage to what extent.
The Government's commitment to the development of aquaculture and the apparent interest of fish farmers in further expansion of their farm areas provide a positive environment for the realization of this potential.
The major constraints to exploiting the aquaculture potential are:
Institutional:
- Lack of an extension service, and
- inadequate coordination between research and development efforts.
Technical:
- Inadequate technical know-how on the part of the institution responsible for development and on the part of the farmers;
- lack of technical information, relevant to development objectives, throughout the sub-sector, from researchers to farmers;
- lack of records on current production practices and farm economics;
- lack of reliable information on the availability, seasonality and costs of feeds and feed ingredients, and
- lack of information on fish markets.
Physical:
- Difficulties in the procurement of equipment (aerators, pumps, pipes, water management equipment, etc.), not available locally, from abroad.
