NEW: Midlands dams, schools stocked with 60 000 fingerlings

Theseus Shambare in SHURUGWI

Midlands Province received 60 000 fingerlings under the Presidential Fisheries Scheme on Thursday as the Government steps up efforts to enhance food and nutrition security.

Under the programme, which commenced in August last year, the Government is targeting to distribute tilapia fingerlings, enough to stock 1 200 dams countrywide.

Local communities have received training on sustainable exploitation of the fish and dam committees have been set up around various water bodies to cultivate a sense of ownership among community members.

The six dams stocked with 17 100 fingerlings include Nhakayedu, Mpongogwe, Driefontein, Mabasa, Gwenhoro and Impali, while 10 fishponds were also stocked for three schools and seven pond owners.

Speaking during the dam stocking at Impali Dam, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the initiative seeks to address food security and economic empowerment for rural communities.

“Today’s dam stocking ceremony is a testament to Government’s commitment to improving the fisheries sector, guided by scientific data and informed by the needs of our communities,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.

He emphasised the Government’s goal to stock 1 200 dams nationwide to ensure widespread community benefits.

The move comes as a direct response to challenges identified in a recent aquaculture baseline survey in Shurugwi District, which revealed limitations in capacity development and high input costs.

“In response to these challenges, this dam stocking programme offers an alternative fish production method, one that prioritizes sustainability and community empowerment,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.

The Deputy Minister noted that the fisheries sector has already made huge strides, with dam contributions reaching 26 310 tonnes of fish out of the national production of 31 296 metric tons.

However, he stressed the need to reach the national demand of 60 000 metric tonnes.

“While this achievement is commendable, we must continue working towards meeting the national demand of 60 000 metric tonnes,” he said.

He urged community involvement and the formation of dam committees to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries resources.

“This project belongs to all of us—not just as beneficiaries, but as custodians of this valuable resource,” he said.

“Our goal is to equip individuals at all levels—provinces, districts, villages, and households—with the knowledge and skills needed for long-term success.”