Sundaymail Editor
Sharon Masocha
A local company, Zim Catfish Growers has donated over 80 000 fingerlings to the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme as part of efforts to promote fish farming across the country.
During a tour of the Zim Catfish Growers site in Harare on Friday the organisation’s director, Mr Moses Hakutangwe highlighted the significance of catfish in aquaculture, noting its potential as a valuable source of protein.
“Catfish grows fast. Within a period of six months we can get something like 800 grams to 1 kg with a low feed requirement and poor water quality conditions,” he said.
“So far, we have contributed 80 000 tilapia fingerlings to the presidential scheme in support of this initiative.
“Additionally, we have provided 300 000 catfish fingerlings, which are yet to be collected but will soon be distributed to various communities to enhance fish farming and increase harvests across Zimbabwe.”
Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department director Mr Milton Makumbe underscored the importance of catfish production.
“They are diversifying into catfish production,” he said.
“And as we know, catfish is one of the fastest-growing species in the world.
“It is able to produce nearly twice the amount of meat compared to tilapia within the same period of five to six months.”
Online Reporter