Fish farming transform rural communities
THE Government, through the 8.0 rural development programme, is committed to drilling boreholes, and establishing gardens, and fish ponds in every village to ensure sustainable development by 2030.
Speaking during a fish harvesting and pond stocking programme held in Mudzi District, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, said the Presidential Fisheries Programme had immense potential in Mudzi.
“Today we are here to harness the fruits of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme as we witness the harvesting of fish stocked in 2023 and the stocking of another pond. Mudzi District has a high potential for fish production because of its high temperatures, which are favourable for fish production.
“The country has in the past few years witnessed a significant increase in fish farming activities, especially in the smallholder sector, which is quite positive, and Shinga Village stands tall among those villages pioneering the technology.
“My ministry is confident that the strategy of imparting knowledge and skills on fish farming to all provinces, districts, villages, and households will greatly improve adoption throughout our communities.
“The momentum gathered to date should not be allowed to subside but pushed further until we reach our desired destination, and we are targeting solar refrigerators for 40 households,” he said.
Deputy Minister Marapira said Government will establish business units at Youth Hubs, Village Nutrition Gardens, and Irrigation Schemes to leave no one and no place behind.
“In an effort to serve all people, the Government will establish business units at youth hubs, village nutrition gardens, and irrigation schemes, all with a fish production component, to promote a business approach to agriculture and leave no one and no place behind.
“Projects of this nature will help create employment for the youths to keep them away from the from the social ills of drug and substance abuse, which are tearing our social fabric.
“Fish farming integrated with other farming activities will greatly improve family income generation initiatives, “he said.
He called upon stakeholders and partners to join hands to begin the fish projects.
“I call upon our traditional leaders, educators, extension services, and development partners to continue supporting programmes like this one. This will accelerate rural development as we journey together towards this goal,” he said.
The Deputy Minister applauded the Shinga Village people for embracing the life-changing initiative.
“I stand here to assure every farmer here present that my ministry, through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department, is at your disposal whenever you need technical advice on fish production.
“This group of farmers came together to form an association that has already started to drill their own boreholes and construct their own fish ponds, a great initiative that the Government will support 100 percent,” he said.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Apollonio Munzverengwi applauded President Mnangagwa for providing inputs to Mudzi District.
“I am pleased with the Presidential Inputs Programme, as this will improve and develop the rural area, these initiatives will help Mudzi District get empowered, as they will be able to sell their fish,” she said.
Mudzi West MP Cde Knowledge Kaitano said the initiative will see the area exporting their produce to nearby villages.
“This will go a long way as the families will feed themselves and sell the surplus,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Peter Kapfunde, applauded Government for the programme.
“I want to thank our Government for this fish farming project, I hope soon we will be exporting fish to other districts,” he said.