Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWEAN fish farmers are set to reduce production costs by up to 30 percent following the arrival of a fresh consignment of premium European Union-certified fish feed designed to improve growth rates and shorten production cycles.
The development comes as Government intensifies efforts to grow the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a US$1 billion industry through increased private sector investment and adoption of modern production technologies.
Fin Fish Suppliers director Mr Tinashe Chihota said the company had received a new consignment of Aller Aqua feed from Denmark, with more deliveries expected this week to meet growing demand.
“We are happy to tell farmers that a new consignment with enough feed to saturate the market has arrived and we are expecting more deliveries this week,” he said.
Mr Chihota said Fin Fish Suppliers had partnered Danish aquaculture giant Aller Aqua to introduce the globally proven feed, which is used in more than 70 countries.
He said the feed’s average feed conversion ratio (FCR) of below 1.4 enables farmers to produce more fish using less feed, reducing production costs while improving efficiency.
“The feed reduces farmers’ operational costs by about 30 percent while delivering consistent fish growth and reducing production risks,” he said.
“It is a premium European Union-certified product that has earned a global reputation for reliability, which is why we describe it as the ‘Toyota of fish feed’.”
Mr Chihota said the improved feed efficiency allows farmers to shorten production cycles, enabling fish to reach market size much faster than under conventional feeding systems.
He said farmers can produce fish weighing about 350 grammes in approximately 134 days, while fish can reach around 500 grammes in about 184 days under recommended production practices.
“This means farmers can complete more production cycles within a year, improve cash flow and increase profitability without compromising quality,” he said.
Mr Chihota said the introduction of internationally recognised feed technologies complements Government’s drive to modernise aquaculture and increase domestic fish production.
He said improved feed efficiency would also reduce waste, enhance environmental sustainability and strengthen the competitiveness of Zimbabwean fish producers.
The latest development comes as Government continues supporting investments aimed at expanding Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry and improving national food and nutrition security.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said fish farming remains central to Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“As you may be aware, fish farming is a strategic pillar for Zimbabwe’s economic revival, food and nutrition security. By diversifying agricultural exports, curbing malnutrition and creating rural employment, the sector directly aligns with national growth targets,” said Prof Jiri.
He said Government’s fisheries and aquaculture strategy is aimed at building a US$1 billion industry by eliminating fish supply deficits, promoting sustainable community-driven production and increasing the domestic supply of affordable, high-quality white meat.
Government has identified aquaculture as a key component of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, the Zimbabwe Tilapia Value Chain Market Strategy and the transboundary Lake Kariba Blue Economy Strategy.
Mr Chihota said Fin Fish Suppliers would distribute the Aller Aqua products across Zimbabwe to improve access to high-performance feed for both smallholder and commercial fish farmers.
He said wider adoption of modern feed technologies would increase fish production, improve farmer incomes and contribute towards achieving Zimbabwe’s target of building a US$1 billion fisheries and aquaculture industry.
Colletta Dube