Fish farming in the Chapare, Bolivia grew by 181% in five years

María Mena M. / Cochabamba El Chapare, the coca-growing area of Bolivia, also grows in the production of fish. In the last five years, this sector showed a growth of 181% which is reflected in a greater number of producers, swimming pools or ponds and meat reaching local and national markets. According to data from the National Fund for Integral Development (Fonadin), in 2016 fish production in the Chapare reached 2,000 tons per year. In 2020 the volume grew to 3,621 tons per year, which reflects a growth of 181%. Fish farming in the Chapare The inhabitants of the Chapare, the majority affiliated to the Six Federations of the Tropic of Cochabamba, have diversified their income through fish farming without neglecting the production of coca, which is the one that generates the highest income due to the least effort, investment and dedication it requires. With my family we decided to enter fish farming without neglecting coca cultivation because we have to make our coca cato work. We ...