Over 15,000 more oyster farming blocks are added in Rakhine State despite it is yet to penetrate export markets, according to the Rakhine State Fisheries Department.
Starting from 2021, oyster aquaculture has been conducted on about 15,000 farm blocks on a trial run in Kyaukpyu and Gwa townships in Rakhine State. As it is cost-effective without the need for feedstuffs, oyster aquaculture has expanded to over 30,000 blocks for now.
Feedstuffs that the oyster eats are algae, water insect larvae and aquatic mites and they can be easily found in the rivers and creeks, saving feedstuff costs. This contributes to success in farm trials.
At present, oysters from Rakhine State are still not exported to foreign markets. They are sent to domestic markets.
The oysters from Rakhine State are delivered to Yangon, Mandalay, Lashio, Muse and Myawady markets. However, supply still cannot meet demand in Yangon Region. Oyster prices are estimated at K900 to K1,500 per singular oyster.
Rakhine State is relying on fishery products enterprises. The local products are conveyed both to external and domestic markets. They are sent to other regions and states through the Yangon market. Hotels, motels and restaurants highly demand them.
Rakhine State is a fishery hub for neighbouring country Bangladesh. Myanmar exports rohu, red snapper, black pomfret, hilsa, tiger prawn, dried fish, dried snapper, dried Chapila fish, dried Bombay duck, dried squid, saltwater fish, mackerel fish, shrimp, crab, mud crab, soft-shell crab and clams to Bangladesh through Maungtaw and Sittway border posts. — NN/GNLM
Oyster aquaculture expands in Rakhine State after trial run
