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THE Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Ministry has begun fish stocking across the country to contribute towards food security.
In line with the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, the Ministry has started stocking 1 200 dams with fish.
In an interview with H-Metro, Agricultural Advisory Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe’s fish consumption remains low compared to other countries.
“Increased fish production and consumption will strengthen mainly rural economies, create employment and enhance food and nutrition security.
“The country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector are yet to take off despite the country’s abundant water resources of over 10 700 dams and conducive weather conditions.
“There are generally declining fish catches from major dams and lakes as well as increased illegal fishing and use of illegal fishing gear by poachers,” he said.
He said in some cases, conflicts with other water users for irrigation and domestic use were being witnessed.
“The high influx of imported cheap fish in recent years, targeting low-income consumers, has affected the industry.
“For example, between January and November 2015, Zimbabwe imported 13,400 tonnes of mackerel mainly from Namibia.
“These have suppressed fish prices rendering local farmed fish non-viable,” he said.
Jiri hailed the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme as part of the government’s efforts to contribute significantly towards improving livelihoods.
“The scheme aims to decentralise fingerling production, stocking dams, ponds, capacitation of farmers, market development, low-cost feed formulation, research, and development, develop standards and quality production and invest in cold chain development,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter