Due to Lack of Training Brazil Still Imports More Fish than It Exports

The second main fishery producer region in Brazil losing only to the Northeast is the North. It produces around 250,000 tons of fish a year compared to the Northeast with an annual production of 322,000 tons.

This information was disclosed by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) consultant Eduardo Ono, during a quarterly meeting of the 'Amazon Pirarucu' project. The event took place at Sebrae Amazonas.

Fishery is a sector in constant growth and, according to Ono, has a turnover of R$ 200 million (US$ 126 million) a year. The consultant explained that despite generating millions each year,

Brazil is still running a deficit in fish production, importing more than it exports. "The low volumes of domestic production are due to the lack of knowledge and training of rural producers," he added.

The 'Amazon Pirarucu' project is turned to fish farmers in the North, developing methodologies, information and strategies for reproduction, cultivation and trade of pirarucu bred in captivity.

"We hope to train 60 multiplier technicians and 60 fish farmers in pirarucu breeding up to the end of the project, in December 2009, as well as elaborating a market study and a marketing plan for producers in the Amazon," stated the project manager for the Amazon, Israel Folgoza.

Sebrae