Apoio à aquicultura ornamental no município de patrocínio do Muriaé – MG

Abstract

The Zona da Mata in Minas Gerais is the region with the largest production of ornamental fish in Brazil, and Patrocínio de Muria is an expressive center for the production of Betta Splendens fish. In this sense, the objective of this case study is to present the actions, results and impacts of the University Extension project “Support to ornamental aquaculture inthe municipality of Patrocínio do Muriaé-MG”, developed by the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (EV - UFMG) in association with family farming communities in the municipality of Patrocínio do Muriaé-MG. Actions were developed to assist ornamental fish producers, development of family farming communities, activities to disseminate scientific information and implementation of an optional subject at graduation. The project allowed for the recovery and discussion of knowledge about production in order to economically strengthen rural communities in the region. In addition, it enabled actions to overcome the diffusionist production model by using dialogic and participatory methodologies, in addition to providing individual Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) to the systems, fulfilling the social role of the university and reaffirming the inseparability between teaching, research and extension. The project is also configured as a model for the extension curriculum, since it isdeveloped in conjunction with the optional subject “Assessment of ornamental fish production systems”, which enabled the training of 40 students.