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Theseus Shambare in MUDZI
Mudzi District has significantly boosted its fisheries sector with the donation of 11 000 fingerlings from the Government on Tuesday.
The donation, part of the National Mega Fish Stocking initiative, aims to expand fish production and empower local communities.
The launch marks the beginning of fish stocking season which spans to May next year, with the target of 2,2 million fingerlings to be distributed for free countrywide.
Despite its arid climate, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Apollonia Munzverengwi, expressed pride in the district’s emergence as a leader in fish production.
She attributed this success to Government support and growing interest from the community.
“Mudzi district, despite it being dry and in region 4, has emerged a leader in fish production,” Munzverengwi said.
“We are proud to say this because of the support we are getting from the Government. More people are showing interest in joining this fish venture.”
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira, emphasized the Government’s commitment to rural development and the potential of fish farming to uplift communities.
“Today, we take a significant step forward,” Marapira said.
“With 55 ponds now complete, we aim to stock them with 110 000 fingerlings, making Mudzi District the largest recipient of fingerlings from the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme in the country to date.”
Marapira highlighted the involvement of youth and women in the project, emphasizing the Government’s focus on empowering marginalized groups.
“With 10 fishponds being youth-owned, 26 women-owned and 18 men-owned, it’s truly impressive to see a significant number of women-owned ponds,” he said.
“This is a testament to the growing empowerment of women in entrepreneurship.”
The deputy minister also announced the stocking of 10 000 fingerlings in Murehwa District’s dam as part of the broader initiative.
“While some boreholes may still require capacitation to support the projects, today’s ceremonial stocking marks the beginning of an exciting journey,” he said.
Marapira encouraged collaborations among stakeholders to ensure the success of the projects and called for increased adoption of fish farming across the country.
“The Zimbabwean Government recognizes the vital role of fish farming in the economy and is now prioritizing its development,” he said.
“By sharing knowledge and skills on fish farming across provinces, districts, villages and households, my Ministry is confident that communities will widely adopt and benefit from this initiative.”
Host farmer, Mr Innocent Kazanhi said he is happy to be part of the revolution.
“Our area is very dry we were not sure if we will contribute anything towards the agricultural sector.
“The introduction of fish farming made us realise that we have the potential to impact positively to the economy,” said Kazanhi.
Mr Kazanhi owns one 10m by 20m fishpond which he stocked with 2000 tilapia fingerlings he received for free from the Government.
It is anticipated that a harvest of between 800 kilograms and one tonne will be realised.
With the market averaging US$3 per kilogramme, Kazanhi is expected to pocket between US$2 400 and US$3 000 per circle of 6 months.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter