Tinaye Agere
Theseus Shambare
Mudzi District is set to host the National Fish Stocking Launch for the 2024/25 season next week, which will see certified dams and fishponds countrywide getting tilapia fish stock.
Themed ‘Supporting small-scale fish farmers for income generation and nutrition security’, the event will take place at Mr Innocent Kazanhi’s homestead.
The launch is expected to draw hundreds of fish farmers from across Mudzi District’s 18 Wards and neighbouring areas like Macheke.
Under the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, the Government aims to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods in rural communities by promoting fish farming in the country’s natural and man-made water bodies.
At least 1 200 dams have been certified for stocking, while all irrigation, youth, school and village business units are benefitting from the programme.
Fish stocking is done under warm conditions and is halted during the first week of May when temperatures drop.
“This is a historic event for Mudzi District,” said Mr Mark Tsabora, the District Agricultural Extension Officer.
“We are witnessing a remarkable increase in the adoption of fish farming, thanks to the Presidential Community Fisheries Programme.”
He said the event will include the distribution of over 12 000 fingerlings to households that have completed pond construction and water filling.
“I encourage all farmers to adopt fish farming. It is a highly lucrative and sustainable venture that offers significant nutritional benefits. Fish farming is relatively low-input and labour-intensive when compared to other agricultural activities,” said Mr Tsabora.
At least 54 households in Mudzi have completed fish pond preparations and are ready to stock.
The launch will be graced by high-ranking Government officials, including Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Apollonia Munzverengwi; Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira; as well as Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department director Mr Milton Makumbe.
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