Global Diversification of Tilapia Production Techniques: Recent Overview- part 1

Tilapia secure a bright position in finfish production worldwide because of their excellent flesh quality, disease resistance as well as the capacity to survive in a variety of farming systems and environmental circumstances. They hold a promising position in the propagation of aquaculture in developing countries because the culture is easy, farmers are friendly, and minimum infrastructure is required for their culture. Although more than 70 tilapia species, only three are commonly cultivated: Oreochromis niloticus, Oryza mossambicus, and Oryza aureus, where Nile tilapia contributing about 75% of the total production of tilapia. accounts for approximately 8.3% of the total aquaculture production. These three species grow rapidly under diverse environmental conditions and are able to adapt to different culture systems. These qualities have made them a natural choice for freshwater aquaculture to address food security and the requirement of dietary protein in several developing countries in Asia. However, prolific breeding results in productivity loss, the non-availability of quality seeds, and improper management strategies, which have hindered their cultivation and adoption worldwide for many decades. These problems have been resolved to a large extent in recent years through the introduction of innovative and improved culture practices, better farm management strategies, and the introduction of hormonal and selective breeding techniques. This review explores how tilapia production has increased through the diversification of cultural focused techniques under diverse climatic conditions, infrastructure facilities, and the application of modern tools. Advanced genetic tools and polyculture opportunities could serve as the main target areas to provide maximum efforts for sustainable outcomes.