How Biofloc Fish Farming Can Boost Aquaculture in Myanmar

Myanmar, the second-largest country in South East Asia, has long stretches of coastline that face the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea.

The inland water bodies consist of millions of hectares of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, especially in the Ayeyarwaddy delta, which has a large network of rivers and tributary systems.

This has paved the way for Aquaculture to boom in the country.

Aquaculture began in the country in the 1950s.

The industry experienced enormous growth by the 1960s, becoming economically viable and leading to increased production.

Two types of popular species can be categorized into non-native, such as crustaceans, prawns & shrimp, and indigenous species, like rohu, which is the most popular fish in Myanmar.

Today, Myanmar ranks 14th in global fisheries production as of 2025, with a total production of 3.1 million tons in 2022.

It is estimated that over 2 lakh people in Myanmar are engaged in Aquaculture.

Fish is the staple food for the domestic people and a major source of protein in the diet.

It is essential for the better health of adults and young children.

Thus, fish farming also supports the economy massively.

Aquaculture has been the fastest-growing sector for many decades, with a high growth rate compared to capture fisheries.

Aquaculture Challenges in Myanmar

Although fish farming is a major driver of the economy and a significant source of income for many, it still faces numerous challenges.

In the last few decades, fish farming accounts for only 22% of annual fish production, which is significantly lower than that of nearby countries like Thailand and Bangladesh.

The other challenges include:

• Traditional Farming Systems – Most farmers follow polyculture ponds where different species like tilapia and carp are reared. This leads to the selective harvesting of the fastest-growing fish, while others are stocked as fingerlings and remain as broodstock.
• Water Pollution – The extensive production of fish without proper management and water exchange processes can lead to water pollution, affecting the growth of other aquatic beings. It leads to fish diseases and fish kills.
• Environment-friendly Techniques – Environment-friendly farming systems are a growing global trend, and to meet standards, these techniques must be integrated into the sector.
• Sustainable Fish Farming Practices – Sustainable aquaculture is the need of the hour. The fish farmers and businessmen are investing in management practices and solutions that help improve production without compromising sustainability.
• Better Growth and Export – Consistent and high-quality products, along with an increase in quantity, are essential for better growth and export to other countries.
• Cost-effective Feed – Experts believe that 60–70% of variable costs are attributed to feed. Thus, solutions that provide cost-effective feed can help the fish farming sector.

It is necessary to overcome these challenges to boost production rates, improve quality, provide better income, and increase the country’s growth.

With innovative fish farming solutions and by embracing the latest technologies, the people in Myanmar have a huge income potential through aquaculture.

Biofloc Fish Farming in Myanmar

Biofloc fish farming is one of the modern techniques that can boost aquaculture in Myanmar.

Through biofloc technology, the quality of water can be enhanced, and it maximizes the productivity of fish farming activity.

It is a cost-effective farming method as the excess or unused feed and the fish excreta are converted into food, and thus, no waste is present in the water.

This helps farmers save a lot of money on feed and water-exchange equipment and related infrastructure.

Moreover, probiotics in biofloc keep all kinds of diseases caused by harmful bacteria at bay.

Organica Biotech’s Bioflok is a special formulation of microbes that consume waste and fish excreta, turning it into useful feed for the fish to consume.

It eliminates the need for water exchange and prevents water pollution.

Biofloc fish farming systems and powerful solutions like Bioflok can transform Myanmar’s aquaculture capabilities and help boost the country’s economy.