Despite the adversities derived from climate variability and the outbreak of pathogens, the department of Huila has established itself as the main fish producer in the country.
With a production of 73,985 tons harvested in 2023which represent 37.4% of national production, Huila continues to lead Colombia’s aquaculture industry.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Huila far surpasses other departments in terms of production, with a significant participation in the national market. Despite the 1.07% drop in fish production nationwide, Huila has maintained its leading position, despite having experienced a 5.78% decrease in its local production.
This decrease is mainly attributed to climatic factors and the outbreak of the Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria. Despite these challenges, the department remains a bastion of continental aquaculture production in Colombia.
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To address these challenges, Edison Javier Henao Palacios, technical secretary of the Huila fish farming chain, emphasized the need to advance in health matters and formalization of aquaculture properties. Science and technology projects have been proposed in collaboration with the Surcolombiana University and other actors in the chain to improve epidemiological surveillance and strengthen health and biosecurity in the sector.
In addition, the aim is to increase the number of formalized aquaculture properties to be able to quickly identify and respond to any threat or contingency.. Currently, 184 producers in Huila have cultivation permits, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the near future.
Despite the challenges, Huila continues to demonstrate its leadership in Colombia’s fish production.
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