The plan, prepared by the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) has secured public and private sector backing, and will no be used in seeking international support from donor agencies, investors, technical groups as well as local financiers.
According to the Stabroek News, the plans suggest that farmers choosing fish farming could achieve earnings equal to the returns made from sugar by within seven years.
The plan, which outlines a phased development of the aquaculture sector, envisages the creation of at least three major local aquaculture operations involving a minimum of 100 acres of fish ponds and three major foreign investments in the sector over the first three years of implementation. By the end of 2009 the plan envisages the creation of more than 2000 acres of active fish ponds.
Under the phased strategic plan for the expansion of the aquaculture sector it is envisaged that by 2015 the industry will comprise 3,000 fish farmers and 45,000 acres of fish ponds which will match the sugar industry in terms of its contribution to the national economy.
Aquaculture Earnings to Match Sugar by 2015
GUYANA - A strategic plan for the expansion of Guyana's aquaculture industry says the industry will become a leading economic sector by the year 2015.