NEW: Farmers in Wedza receive 59 000 free fingerlings to boost aquaculture

Theseus Shambare in WEDZA

In a move to bolster aquaculture and rural development, the Government distributed 59 000 free fingerlings to 25 farmers in Wedza District, Mashonaland East Province, on Tuesday.

The initiative, which is part of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, aims to enhance food security and economic empowerment in the region.

The distribution, which took place at Mr and Mrs Masvosva’s homestead in Ward 10, Musingashambe Village, saw 25 farmers, 54 fishponds, two Village Business Units and two schools benefiting from the programme.

Officiating at the event, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira emphasised the Government’s commitment to achieving Vision 2030 through sustainable aquaculture.

“Today, as we gather here at Mr and Mrs Masvosva’s homestead in Ward 10, Musingashambe Village, Wedza District, we are not just stocking fish—we are laying the foundation for a thriving aquaculture industry that will benefit our communities for generations to come,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.

He highlighted the potential of the fisheries sector to grow into a US$1 billion economy, aligning with Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the challenges farmers face in acquiring quality fingerlings and outlined the government’s efforts to address this issue.

“A survey conducted by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department revealed that many farmers face challenges in acquiring quality fingerlings.

“To address this, the government is decentralizing fish breeding sites across most provinces,” he said.

The Fisheries Department, he said, is collaborating with private hatcheries to ensure the availability of robust and fast-growing fish stock.

The Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme has already stocked ponds and dams in several provinces, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring “no one and no place is left behind.”

Mr Ronald Masvosva, a young host farmer who received 2500 fingerlings, shared his experience with fish farming.

“Indeed, Agriculture is a business. I realised this after having started fish farming in 2019,” he said.

“I have been getting food and income from this project. However, due to poor fingerlings we were using, the profits were limited. With these top quality fingerlings, I look forward to more production.”

The Government is providing an ongoing technical support and guidance to farmers, aiming to enhance productivity and adoption of aquaculture across the country.