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Theseus Shambare
MORE than 100 fish farmers will undergo training in catfish production this month under a programme being facilitated by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD).
Over the years, the Government has focused on developing the sector by expanding tilapia fish production through dam-stocking initiatives and development of village-based fishponds under the Rural Development 8.0 programme.
Through the partnership with WorldFish — an international aquaculture research and innovation organisation — the authorities are now expanding the programme by diversifying into catfish (also known as muramba/umulamba) production.
FARD director Mr Milton Makumbe said the envisaged training programme will help grow the sector.
“We are expecting foreign delegates, under the banner of WorldFish, to come and conduct training from September 18 to 22,” said Mr Makumbe.
“About 125 participants will get training in different categories of fish farming, including breeders, farmers and feed millers.
“In addition, a directory will be developed to link value chain actors and the private sector as well.”
The three-day programme will run under the theme “Exploiting Aquatic Species Diversity for a Transformed Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector”.
The department, Mr Makumbe said, was implementing the Technical Assistance for Agricultural Transformation Project under WorldFish to harness technology for the growth of the sector.
“The project will support capacity development and technical assistance activities in aquaculture development,” he added.
“The technologies to be up-scaled through the project include provision of technical support, supply of brood stock for quality fingerlings production of pure Clarias (African catfish/muramba) and hybrid of Hetero-Clarias (African catfish hybrid).
“Participants will get an opportunity to learn about improved fish-rearing technology in the cage culture system and use of crop residues for production of quality low-cost fish feed.”
Half of the trainees will be youths and women.
Mr John Kapfunde, a Mutoko farmer who will participate in the training programme, said: “Currently, I am doing tilapia, but some of my customers frequently ask about the availability of catfish.
“I discovered that, if I am to do serious fish farming, it will be best to diversify so that I meet market demands.”
Mudzi district agricultural extension officer Mr Mark Tsabora said diversification in aquaculture was essential.
“Catfish is favoured for its tender meat and flavour,” he said.
“This means the market is already there, but farmers need to adopt good management practices to get the best out of their produce.
“Fish farming is a business and good agronomic practices are key for success.”
The catfish farming training will be held at the Henderson Fisheries Unit.
Annual fish production in Zimbabwe has risen steadily over the last few years from 15 000 tonnes to close to 20 000 tonnes.
Zimbabwe requires about 30 000 tonnes of fish annually.
The Government plans to increase fish production to 40 000 tonnes by 2025.
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Online Reporter