Fingerling production rising to 166 million per season

Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO

ZIMBABWE’s fingerling production is expected to rise to 166 million per season by next year, up from the current nine million, as the Government ramps up efforts to boost fish production, as well as food and nutrition security.

The increase in fish production is expected to ensure sustenance for millions of people, especially those living in rural communities.

At the official launch of the US$500 000 Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) for fish breeding and production in Bulawayo last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Mr Davis Marapira said Zimbabwe’s fisheries sector has the potential to become a US$1,2 billion industry.

“The country is endowed with over 10 000 dams and a conducive climate for fish production, but challenges of obtaining quality fingerlings remain. This is compounded by the limited coordination and harmonisation of systematic policies and legislation to guide fingerling production in the aquaculture sector,” said Mr Marapira.

The launch of the TCP was facilitated by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Through partnerships with non-governmental organisations and the private sector, Zimbabwe is envisaged to boost fish production.

FARD director Mr Milton Makumbe said: “We are expecting that by 2025, Zimbabwe will be in a position to produce 166 670 000 fingerlings per season. During the current breeding season, 8 770 160 quality fingerlings have been produced.”

Current cooperation and partnerships, he said, will increase fingerling production.
“The TCP intervention for the three breeding sites is set to produce a target of 3,92 million fingerlings per month, which is a step closer to realising our Vision 2028.

“The TCP’s ultimate goal is to revamp a total of five breeding sites, including Bubi-Lupane and Chipinge hatcheries, at a later stage,” he said.

FAO sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa Dr Patrice Takoukam said their work in fisheries and aquaculture is geared towards bringing about a Blue Transformation, which is a vision committed to building sustainability and resilience.

“This (TCP) is evidence of the strong partnership between FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe,” he said.

The TCP will see the Government hatcheries undergo a complete overhaul to meet international standards.

Dr Takoukam said the programme is in response to President Mnangagwa’s call for partnerships.

President Mnangagwa met the FAO director-general, Mr Qu Dongyu, at the organisation’s headquarters in Rome on the sidelines of the recent Italy-Africa Summit.

* X: @TheseusShambare