Blue revolution: ‘Farmers need to use water twice’

Book author suggests ways to improve farming and irrigation

KARACHI: At a launching ceremony for ‘Aquaculture Handbook-Fish Farming and Nutrition in Pakistan’, lead author Dr Kevin Fitzsimmons highlighted the efficient use of water for irrigation along with growing fish to benefit the farmers in the country.

The ceremony was held here on Tuesday, where Fitzsimmons pointed out twice-utilisation of water and said it would also provide free organic fertilisers to the farmers who currently resort to buying chemicals. Past president of the World Aquaculture Society and Professor at University of Arizona, he commented on the diverse quality of water available in the country and said Tilapia – the world’s second most popular farm fish – is a good crop.

“We are very interested to see the aquaculture industry grow in Pakistan because there are so many resources available to produce more fish for the domestic market and for export purposes. “A lot of seafood from Pakistan goes to the Gulf countries and there is a large demand for Tilapia internationally.”

He said fish is mostly imported from the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh, however, Pakistan could also increase its exports by producing Tilapia. “There is a need for a comprehensive hand book that speaks about different aspects of Tilapia farming including exports. This will enable farmers to make informed decisions,” he said while speaking about the publication.

Co-author RSN Janjua, speaking on the occasion, pointed out that Pakistan had the lowest seafood consumption rate (2 kilogrammes per person) in comparison to any nation in the world that has a sea coast.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2015. 

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