Online Reporter
ALL is set for the official launch of the US$500 000 Matobo hatchery project today, which is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s annual fingerlings production and accelerate the growth of fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The launch — to be held at a hotel in Bulawayo before a technical tour of the Matopos hatchery site — comes as the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) wrap up key works under the two-year Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).
The programme aims to raise national fingerlings output from 100 000 to 3,2 million per year.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department director Mr Milton Makumbe on Tuesday confirmed that construction and equipping of the Matopos site have progressed well, placing the new hatchery among the country’s most advanced public-sector aquaculture facilities.
“We are fully prepared for today’s launch. Two breeding ponds measuring 22 metres by 12 metres each and three resting ponds of 22 metres by 22 metres have now been completed,” he said.
“Government drilled three boreholes at the site and one of these has already been solarised and equipped under the TCP. This has ensured a reliable water supply for continuous production.”
Mr Makumbe said the Matopos hatchery is already operating at 75 percent production capacity and has the potential to produce 2.7 million fingerlings annually once fully commissioned.
“To date, we have delivered 525 male and 140 female brooders to establish a strong breeding base,” he said.
“We also received 0,5 tonnes of broodstock feed and 0,2 tonnes of starter feed for the first batch, ensuring that operations begin smoothly.”
The US$500 000 investment, launched last year, is part of the Government’s strategy to modernise national fisheries units through pond construction, refurbishment, installation of biosecurity systems, staff training and the development of the Hatchery Management Guidelines.
The Matopos facility is one of the flagship sites under the programme, which seeks to guarantee farmers access to quality, affordable fingerlings and strengthen aquaculture value chains across the country.
The initiative is also expected to support nutrition gardens, irrigation schemes, youth and women-led enterprises and small to medium-scale commercial fish farmers.
Key speakers at today’s launch include FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla and the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, after which the hatchery will be officially commissioned.
A guided tour of the Matopos site will follow. The project is expected to play a catalytic role in boosting national fish production, with the fisheries sector projected to grow from about 30 000 tonnes to as much as 60 000 tonnes annually through improved access to quality seed and strengthened farmer support systems.
