Rondônia is the only Brazilian state authorised to export farmed pirarucu. (Photo: Alex Pazuello, amazonas.am.gov.br)

Rondônia commits to paiche production in captivity

BRAZIL
Thursday, June 07, 2012, 03:50 (GMT + 9)

Rondônia producers are investing in pirarucu or paiche (Arapaima gigas) farming, encouraged by the good acceptance this product has in the domestic market and abroad.

At present, this is the only Brazilian state with federal government approval to export this resource produced in captivity, which is known as Amazonia cod in the northern region, G1 Globo reported.

For this reason, many companies from other states are migrating to Rondônia in order to obtain more revenue and take advantage of this great business period.

Apart from being a profitable business, pirarucu production is directly related to the preservation of the species, which is already in the list of endangered specimens in Amazonia.

The agronomist Abadias Alves Oliveira noted that the production of this resource is also an alternative to avoid dismantling processes in the north of the country.

To obtain 16 tonnes of paiche about 3.2 hectares of water are needed, and Alves Oliveira notes that its production generates an annual profit of BRL 22,000 (USD 10,750) per hectare, compared to BRL 1,000 (USD 4,900) which generates cattle production.

Pirarucu production in captivity is one of the issues to be discussed at the National Shrimp Fair (Fenacam 2012), which will be held in Natal between 11 and 14 June.

At the meeting, which will be attended by officials and guests from Canada, US, England and Brazil, who will give speeches on fish farming and also by the veterinarian doctor of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Seagri), Carlindo Pinto Filho, who will talk about this new activity, Impactorondonia reported.

According to the expert, "paiche farming presents positive aspects for success, such as the fillet yields, rapid growth and meat quality."

In Rondônia, there are 49 registered producers, who have about 1,118 male and female specimens in their facilities.

Related article:

- Rondônia, about to export farmed arapaima

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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