Researchers brought Nile tilapia from Thailand after independence, while its commercial production began in the 80s after some experiments. As the fish appeared to be fast-growing and profitable, its cultivation spread rapidly all over Bangladesh. At present, about four lakh tonnes of tilapia fish is produced every year. According to researchers, the species of tilapia now being cultivated is the 13th generation, which has been developed through research. The current generation of the fish produces 63% more than the first variety.
In other words, tilapia fishes that are now available in the market weighing around 1-1.5 kg are the outputs of lab research. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Bangladesh is now the fourth largest tilapia producer in the world. Another fish was brought from Thailand in the early 90s and its commercial production began subsequently after making it suitable to the local aquatic environment. The breed is now widely known as Pangas.
Besides, researchers in labs have developed many small-sized local fish varieties so that they could be produced commercially. Their efforts raised the production of local fishes such as pabda, koi and tengra to 2.5 lakh tonnes from only 67,000 tonnes in 2008-09. “Commercial production played a key role in ensuring fish availability. Annual fish production now exceeds 45 lakh tonnes, which is more than the local demand,” said Yahia Mahmud, director general at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh stands fifth globally in aquaculture production. The number of hatcheries has grown from only 60-67 to 950, show Department of Fisheries data. Of those, 820 are private. Since the country’s independence, researchers have developed 60 fish varieties and invented many breeding and farming techniques. Commercial fisheries and hatcheries are using both the new breeds and farm technologies.
Established in 1984, the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute can claim the credit for switching the country from inland capture to closed-water fisheries. The institute can also be credited with reviving the farm-raised fish to the regular food menu. To prioritise self-sufficiency in fish production, Yahia Mahmud said they created more than 100 scientist posts and recruited the researchers in the last 5-7 years.
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