Potential impact of genetically improved carp strains in Asia

Abstract

During the past one decade, the WorldFish Center and its research partners have made a systematic attempt to improve the productivity of carps through selective breeding in the major carp-producing countries in Asia. This paper analyses the potential impact of culturing the improved carp strain in five Asian countries (Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand and Vietnam), using a three-step procedure. These steps are: (i) development of a fish sector model for each country, (ii) construction of ex ante impact indicators of improved carp strains, and (iii) analysis of the overall potential impact of culturing the genetically improved carp strains by incorporating the technology scenarios into the fish sector model. The results show that the genetic improvement programs of carp strains are highly beneficial to fish farmers, fish consumers and national economies in Asia.