Avaliação da piscicultura na microrregião do Alto Pantanal – Mato Grosso, Brasil

Fish farming emerges as an alternative mode of aquaculture, which has been expanding in recent years. The state of Mato Grosso (Brazil) has originated as the largest fish producer in Brazil, reaching a production of 54,510 tons in 2018 The objective of this research was to evaluate fish farming in the Upper Pantanal Microregion. A descriptive qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted based on documentary material, data provided by the Institute of Agricultural Defense of Mato Grosso (INDEA / MT) for the years 2016 and 2017. The main buyers were statistically analyzed using R Studio software, sellers and producers by municipality. Caceres and Pocone are the largest producers and sellers of this Microregion. Nossa Senhora do Livramento and Vila Bela de Santissima Trindade are the largest buyers. The analysis also showed that the municipalities of Caceres and Pocone supply mainly the domestic market and the state. Needs for studies throughout the production chain were identified, in order to detach the demands of the sector, such as marketing, production, health, and social and environmental aspects. Likewise, it was highlighted the importance of increasing the supervision and inclusion of public policies  that meet the demands of producers and / or those involved in fish farming in this region of the Pantanal. Thus, contributions to agricultural sustainability would become viable, generating wealth, income distribution, job creation, intersectoral community participation, empowerment, justice and socio-environmental equity.