The government of Zimbabwe has set out to facilitate the introduction of cage culture in an effort to commercialize fish farming and enhance food production for its citizens.
The cage culture will allow the farmers to use fish cages in dams through permits from the responsible ministry to make use of the country’s water bodies. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will identify and make accessible suitable water bodies to prospective farmers, according to the deputy director Mr. Milton Makumbe.
“We will provide technical support and advisory services to farmers to ensure the project’s success and continuity”, said Mr Makumbe.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development targets to grow the number of commercial fish farmers through the cage culture program.
This initiative has so far gained traction with several fish farmers now involved in cage culture despite cage construction being expensive. The cage construction expense is a once-off capital investment before enjoying the government benefits by using dams available country-wide.
Another government-led initiative that is benefiting the country is the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme whose goal is to restock Zimbabwe’s 1,200 fish dams for the next five years so as to grow the fishing sector into a major contributor to the economy.
Fish processing sites and markets in provinces and in the fish hot spots will also be established as part of The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department’s strategy to develop and commercialize the industry.
As the fisheries sector continues to grow, it is of vital importance for the populace to take up the opportunity to construct cages in various dams. Cage fishing is a sustainable business which needs proper infrastructure as well.
In recognition of these developments, the Zimbabwe Christian Development Council (ZCDC) is encouraging the Christians and the populace at large to seriously engage themselves in fish production and not to be left behind.
The organization is facilitating Fish production training which will be conducted for free by the Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries.
Pastor Titus Mhizha, Coordinator of ZCDC said the training is open to everyone who has a zeal for development and venturing into lifetime investments. The dates of the training will be announced in due course and they anticipate a larger attendance as some diaspora’s have shown interest.
This will uplift and improve livelihoods and will in turn help achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
This publication Positive Eye News will continue to highlight possible areas of investment in our country Zimbabwe The Editor encourages the readers to remain patient and focused on development don’t hesitate to chat with the publication for positive guidance
