adminBlessing Rwizi
SMALLHOLDER farmers in Ward 23 in Mutasa District’s have embarked on fish farming projects whose rich pickings have positively changed their lives. The 18 farmers, who operate under the auspices of Maoresa Fish Production, started the new trade in October last year after a Non-Governmental Organisation, Practical Action chipped in with the construction of four fish ponds in Samaringa and Mutsamba villages.
One of the fish ponds was constructed at Jombe Primary School, but is part of Maoresa Fish Production meant to inculcate fish production in school children with practical lessons.
Practical Action has also sourced fish market at Molu’s Meats in Mutare for the Mutasa farmers.
The 18 farmers now have fish ponds at their homesteads for household income generating.
The positive gains from fish farming are now being felt throughout the community.
To boost the fish production, the farmers are expected to receive 2 000 fish that were bought in Renco Mine by the end of this week.
The farmers are breeding breams and Nile Telapia fish.
Ward 23 Agricultural Extension officer, Miss Janipher Marira, urged other farmers in Mutasa District and different parts of Zimbabwe to venture into fish farming as it is very profitable.
“Practical Action took Maoresa Fish Production team to Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare for look-and-learn tours when we started this project. It was noted that fish farming can be hugely profitable and interesting. It is my advice to farmers in Manicaland and other parts of Zimbabwe to embark on the same project and earn a good fortune that can change their lives,” said Miss Marira.
Miss Marira also said the group would soon be selling fish to other individuals who wish to start similar projects rather than for them to travel to Renco Mine and other places to buy breeding fish.
Practical Action acting district supervisor, Mr Lameck Mahohoma, said this was a chance for youths to better their lives since most are unemployed.
“Many people in this area earn a living from bananas and other crops, so the idea of fish farming came as one of the things that can change lives in Mutasa District.
Most of our youths in Mutasa District are unemployed and this fish project will be their source of income.
“We are glad that people in this area are responding positively to this idea and most of them have already constructed fish at their own homes,” said Mr Mahohoma.
Online Reporter