Algix Jamaica Limited, the first company to produce Basa fish in Jamaica, is now licensed by the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries to export fish. This announcement was made by the Hon J.C. Hutchinson, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry, while speaking at the launch of the Basa market in St. Elizabeth on January 20, 2017.
Minister Hutchinson commended Algix for its achievement of producing 100 tonnes of basa fish since the start of its operation in 2013. He outlined that when Government embarked on a diversification programme for the aquaculture sector in 2013, Basa production was recognised as an emerging opportunity for Jamaica.
The production of Basa fish, Minister Hutchinson said, represents an opportunity for Jamaica in terms of import substitution and export opportunity to the United States, one of the largest markets for Basa in the world. In addition, it will also provide an opportunity for the development of markets in the hospitality and fast food trade.
He urged farmers to change their mindset and to see aquaculture as big business. “No longer can we see fish breeding as just a hobby; this is big business as is being demonstrated by Algix, he said.
While noting that the aquaculture sector has declined over the past 10 years, moving from production of approximately 7,000 metric tonnes of tilapia in 2007 to approximately 600 metric tonnes in 2016, Minister Hutchinson reiterated Government’s commitment to playing its part to create a viable and sustainable aquaculture sector. He challenged the farmers to become a member of a farmers’ organisation and to work towards strengthening the capacity of the group. One of the factors contributing to the success of the aquaculture sector internationally, Minister Hutchinson said, was having a strong farmers’ organisation.
Algix Jamaica Limited operates on a 300-acre property in Barton Isle, St Elizabeth. The operation produces Tilapia and Basa in approximately 120 acres of water. Basa is said to be a fast-growing fish, reaching one kilogramme in about eight months and can grow to more than six kilogrammes as an adult. It is easily processed and is highly suited for filet.
-30-
