THE Bago Region Fisheries Department is undertaking measures to produce enough fish to meet local consumption needs and generate a surplus in the 2026-2027 financial year, exceeding the production level of the 2025-2026 financial year. More than 3,000 acres of freshwater fish farms are currently being operated in Bago Region.
Aquatic products are produced annually in Bago Region through aquaculture, leasehold fisheries and common fishing activities. In the 2025-2026 financial year, the breeding sector produced 68,410,940 viss of fish, leasehold fisheries produced 92,965,380 viss, and common fishing activities produced 138,957,446 viss, bringing total fish production to 300,333,766 viss. As production exceeded local fish consumption of 32,030,442 viss, a surplus of 268,303,324 viss was produced and distributed to fish markets in Yangon Region for domestic consumption and to cold storage facilities for export.
The regional fisheries department is targeting a total production of 306,466,478 viss of aquatic products in the 2026-2027 financial year, comprising 69,153,412 viss from aquaculture, 93,430,207 viss from leasehold fisheries and 143,882,860 viss from common fishing activities. Of this total, 30,108,140 viss of fish will be produced to meet local consumption needs, while a surplus of 276,358,338 viss is targeted for production.
“Due to increased fishing activities in the sea, fish production has declined, making the aquaculture sector increasingly important for food security. In particular, the aquaculture sector is important in the freshwater areas of Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago regions. Fishery stations are carrying out artificial breeding through fish spawning and releasing juvenile fish back into natural waters and aquaculture areas. This helps ensure a continuous supply of fish for local consumption. I am pleased that the six districts and 28 townships in the region can produce abundant fish and meat products for more than 4.4 million people, as well as fish for export,” said Dr Su Myo Thwe, director of the department.
From the 2020-2021 financial year to the 2024- 2025 financial year, fish production in Bago Region was calculated and undertaken at a rate of 10 ticals per person a day to ensure sufficient local consumption. In the 2026-2027 financial year, freshwater fish are being farmed and produced not only to meet the local consumption needs of more than 4.4 million people in Bago Region but also for export. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH