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>> Download PDF of this Press Release September 25, 2007 NAAG Pioneer Exports First Shipment of Aquacultured Tilapia GEORGETOWN – On 27 August 2007, Mr. Beni Sankar, an aquaculture pioneer in Guyana and Chairman of the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG), exported approximately 1,000 pounds of high-quality Tilapia to a market in New York, USA. Before being shipped to grateful consumers, the superior Red and Nile species of Tilapia were produced at Mr. Sankar’s farm at Von Better, West Coast Berbice and processed and packaged at Guyana Quality Seafoods on the East Bank Demerara. Mr. Sankar, who has already sold several thousand pounds of Red and Nile Tilapia, Pacu and Hassar on the local market, was in an upbeat mood. As he personally supervised the processing of his produce, he stated that, “Aquaculture has great potential for improving Guyana. As a rice farmer, I can tell you that aquaculture is a much more profitable venture, and once you follow the basic principles it is not difficult to produce an export quality product.” When asked as to the significance of this export for NAAG, Mr. Sankar said, “NAAG is not a talk shop organization. We have a very good team of people, and a unique private sector-donor-Government partnership. We meet every week to solve real problems and come up with practical solutions for the development of aquaculture. With the support of NAAG, other pioneers will be able to produce an export quality product in the near future”. When asked about the importance of this shipment of Tilapia, Mr. Maurice Gopie, the proprietor of Guyana Quality Seafoods, stated that, “The catches of marine fish are on the decline, which has grave consequences for processing plants and their employees. The supply of aquacultured fish, such as Tilapia, can help to sustain jobs in processing plants, maintain our export markets and reduce closed periods experienced by processing plants in light of declining catches.” Mr. Sankar further stated that NAAG is participating in GUY-EXPO 2007, the theme of which – “Partnering for The National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) was formed in early 2006, and has as its members a variety of stakeholders that help contribute to the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector. Members include private farmers, lending agencies, Government agencies, as well as feed producers and processors. NAAG seeks to identify the constraints to aquaculture development and initiate actions to remove them. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) / Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) project has been providing critical support to NAAG, and to the three pioneers in the emerging aquaculture sector, one of whom is Mr. Beni Sankar. Further support provided by the USAID/GTIS project has also allowed NAAG to become a member of the American Tilapia Association and the World Aquaculture Society. To assist with aquaculture development, NAAG has also received support from the British High Commission, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and has commenced discussions with the European Union Micro-Projects fund. USAID-GTIS provides assistance to private sector firms and organizations and government institutions to assist Guyana to become more competitive and develop export market opportunities.
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