High domestic demand for eels boosts farming potential

Domestic eel consumption has been high, and the market will expand if its farming develops, said eel farmers.
“In the Yangon market, eel price varies on a daily basis. Domestic eel consumption is high. We export it to other regions and states. Some don’t have knowledge about the eel farming market, and they don’t know the farming technique. Eel breeding hasn’t yet been developed in the country. Some eat eels caught naturally. At present, eel breeding is operated in Thanlyin and Kayan townships. There is a plan to farm eel this year. The market has potential because eel consumption is high if eel farming expands in this monsoon season,” said Ko San Lin Kyi, an eel farmer from Thanlyin Township’s Kalawe village.
The market has been positive, plus there is a sentiment that eating eel is good for health, which is why he urged to farm eel in this monsoon.
“I want eel farming to be developed because the market has been positive. From the aspect of health, it helps increase red blood cells and helps keep bones healthy. The sale is good every year,” said Ko San Lin Kyi.
Eel has many advantages, such as rapid growth, high reproduction, the ability to survive on little food, and resistance to contaminated water. From a two-month-old, it reproduces by laying eggs once every two months. It is weather-resistant and hard to die. Therefore, eel farming is cost-effective and more manageable than other fish and prawn farming if it is bred by making some modifications corresponding to its nature. — Thit Taw/ZS/ED