2,2 million fingerlings for rural communities

Sunday Mail Reporter

THE Government is set to distribute 2,2 million fish fingerlings nationwide under the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme.

The scheme seeks to enhance food and nutrition security at household level, while improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

In total, 48 dams, five irrigation schemes, seven village business units, two school business units and 80 ward drought mitigation centres have been selected for tilapia
stocking. Youth and other village business units (VBU) are also set to benefit as the season progresses.

To ensure sustainability, local communities have been trained in responsible fish farming practices, and dam committees have been established to promote community ownership and management.

Fish stocking typically occurs during warmer months and stops at the start of May, when cooler winter temperatures set in.

This year, stocking was delayed as a result of water scarcity in fishponds and low dam levels, worsened by the El Niño-induced drought. The ongoing rains have prompted commencement of the initiative.

The authorities have identified tilapia or bream as the most suitable species for intensive production.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD) director Mr Milton Makumbe urged farmers to make all the necessary preparations to accelerate stocking.

“We are thrilled to announce that a total of 2 269 000 fingerlings are ready for distribution for free,” he said.

“The current conditions are optimum for dam stocking and we have intensified our operations countrywide.”

Mr Makumbe said unsexed fingerlings suitable for extensive breeding will be stocked in dams to encourage natural population growth, while sexed ones, an all-male population known for rapid growth, will be placed in fishponds and cages for food production under controlled conditions.

“Farmers need to prepare themselves to ensure they benefit from this Government programme,” he said.

To officially launch the programme, FARD will hold a National Fish Launch Day in Mudzi on Tuesday, where more than 100 000 fingerlings will be distributed to 54 local households with prepared fishponds.

“We are thrilled to witness the growing interest in fish farming in Mudzi district,” said Mr Makumbe.

“This initiative will not only boost household incomes, but also contribute to national food security.”

Zimbabwe’s annual fish demand is estimated at 60 000 tonnes, while domestic production stands at around 33 000 tonnes.

Through the dam and fishpond stocking initiative, the Government aims to increase production to 55 000 tonnes by next year, with the long-term goal of growing the fisheries sector into a US$1 billion industry.