Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokham affirmed that the government and Ministry of Agriculture are serious about resolving the black-chinned tilapia issue. He emphasized exploring ways to utilize the fish beyond producing animal feed, aiming for a sustainable management solution.
On 25 Jun, Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives overseeing the Department of Fisheries, told Thairath that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to prioritize managing black-chinned tilapia. Discussions have been held with the working group, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossanan Wongvasit, who also supervises the Ministry of Agriculture, and Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to develop comprehensive and long-term solutions.
Initially, three management measures are planned for black-chinned tilapia: 1. Preventing spread, 2. Controlling and reducing population density, and 3. Promoting utilization. In particular, collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation will explore research and development to find various uses for black-chinned tilapia to enable sustainable management.This approach aims to achieve sustainable management.Currently, black-chinned tilapia is used as raw material for products such as fermented fish (pla ra) and animal feed.
. He added that many private companies already purchase black-chinned tilapia as raw material for animal feed production. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to discuss with groups of animal feed producers to promote increased use of black-chinned tilapia in feed production. So far, both small and large animal feed companies have cooperated well.
Regarding control measures involving purchase points for affected farmers, the Deputy Minister said additional purchase points will be opened. The previous government allocated a budget, some of which has been used, leaving funds available to buy more black-chinned tilapia. However, strict verification measures will be set to prevent illegal breeding and fraudulent sales since the fish grow quickly. The focus remains on expanding the various uses of black-chinned tilapia to address the problem long term.