Turkmenistan’s Aquaculture Sector Gains Momentum Thanks to FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is making significant strides in supporting the growth of the aquaculture industry in Turkmenistan.

As part of its Technical Cooperation Programme, FAO recently held two focused seminars in Ashgabat designed to upgrade the expertise of local farmers and veterinarians in aquatic animal health management and the design and operation of aquaculture systems, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkmen media.

FAO’s approach combines feed management, animal health, and effective farm design-three critical factors that together enhance productivity, reduce costs and risks, and improve economic returns. This integrated strategy also helps create jobs in rural communities and bolsters Turkmenistan’s food security.

On July 16, a national seminar addressed aquatic animal health, emphasizing disease prevention and risk reduction. Farmers and veterinarians were trained on recognizing fish diseases and establishing effective health management systems. FAO stresses the importance of proactive biosecurity measures to prevent many common health problems.

The following day, participants attended a seminar on aquaculture system design and operation. They explored various infrastructures including tanks, ponds, raceways, and hatcheries, and received practical advice on selecting and designing systems tailored to local conditions. Topics such as site selection, farm layout, cultivation techniques, management principles, record-keeping, and biosecurity were covered in depth.

These training sessions have laid a strong foundation for developing a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture sector in Turkmenistan, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth, improved livelihoods in rural areas, and strengthened national food security.