Thai aquafeed firm partners with Bangladesh to modernise aquaculture

BANGLADESH – Thai Union Feedmill Ltd, a leading aquafeed manufacturer and distributor, has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) to transfer Thailand’s internationally recognised farming standards and technology to Bangladesh. 

The strategic partnership is designed to modernise Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector and scale up production of high-value species for both domestic consumption and export markets.

Under the agreement, the two parties will focus on developing whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, giant freshwater prawn and barramundi (Asian sea bass). 

Bangladesh, already known for its traditional shrimp farming, will retain its established practices while gradually transitioning to more modern sea bass farming systems. The move is expected to open new pathways for coastal economic growth and export diversification.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, TFM Director of Feed Commercial Hathai Nantathong described the collaboration as both a business expansion and a milestone for Thailand’s aquaculture sector.

“This collaboration is not only an expansion of TFM’s business opportunities but also a testament to the global recognition of Thailand’s aquaculture standards. We firmly believe that sharing knowledge and expertise will lead to positive transformation in the aquaculture industries of both countries,” she said.

The partnership will leverage Thailand’s commercial expertise in advanced hatchery techniques, high-performance formulated feeds and stringent biosecurity systems.

By adopting scientifically formulated aquafeeds, Bangladesh aims to reduce its dependence on feed comprising “trash fish” as a primary ingredient. This shift is expected to improve yields, enhance profitability and strengthen local production systems.

Over the three-year period, TFM and BSFF will collaborate with Bangladesh’s National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) to pioneer genetically suitable sea bass strains and establish domestic hatchery capacity. The initiative also prioritises workforce development across the full value chain, from hatchery breeding and grow-out operations to processing and global distribution.

The main aim is to strengthen the aquaculture value chain by developing expertise in hatchery and processing operations, ultimately integrating Bangladeshi farmers into global trade networks.

In the first year, research and demonstration pilots will be launched at sites in Teknaf and Khulna, Bangladesh, laying the groundwork for scaled implementation in subsequent years.

Pilot project demonstrates commercial viability

This collaboration follows a successful pilot project conducted between 2023 and 2024 at ATI Aqua Farm in Cox’s Bazar. 

Using TFM’s premium sea bass fingerlings and specialised formulated feeds, the pilot achieved a yield of approximately 4.3 metric tons per acre, with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.2, indicating high efficiency in converting feed into fish biomass.

The specialised feeds were designed to optimise growth performance and health, supporting faster weight gain while maintaining strong survival rates. The strong FCR performance highlights the potential for cost-efficient and sustainable sea bass production under improved farming systems.

Building on these results, the new MoU aims to replicate and scale these outcomes nationwide, positioning Bangladesh to enhance productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in global seafood markets over the next three years.

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