MAFI targets 958,000 tonnes of aquaculture output by 2030

KOTA BHARU, Feb 14 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) is targeting an output of 958,000 tonnes worth RM9.08 billion in the aquaculture sector by 2030.

Its Deputy Minister II, Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said to achieve this target, the government was using the pro-business approach including the private sector’s involvement to take the aquaculture sector to greater heights.

"The other strategies include enhancing the existing livestock farming system and encouraging the development of new aquaculture projects on small and medium scale in clusters," he told reporters after a working visit to the freshwater fish farm in Kampung Jejulok, here, today.

Che Abdullah said aquaculture was now an important contributor to the country's food resource sector, besides providing a balanced activity to sea fishing, thus improving the country's economy.

He said the exploitation of surplus fishery resources has also elevated the aquaculture sector which included marine and freshwater aquaculture, and also seaweed.

“Based on the production statistics in 2018, the aquaculture sector’s output was 391,465 tonnes worth RM3.06 billion while for 2019, it was 411,782 tonnes worth RM3.30 billion.

“Kelantan contributed 6,449 tonnes valued at RM57 million in 2019 including freshwater and brackish water fish, and seaweed.

"MAFI would also like to stress that the agriculture, livestock and fishery sectors which are among the essential services are running as usual during the Movement Control Order (MCO) 2.0 period to ensure sufficient food supply in the country,” he added.

-- BERNAMA