NEW: Government stocks 32 dams with fingerlings

Theseus Shambare

THE Government, through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD), has stocked 32 dams with 292 500 fingerlings as part of efforts to enhance fish production and improve food security.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail Online, FARD director Mr Milton Makumbe said the fingerlings are expected to produce 35 tonnes of fish per year.

“Our goal is to boost fish production and strengthen food security through this initiative,” he said.

Under the Presidential Fisheries Scheme, fingerlings have been distributed across several provinces, including Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and the Midlands.

Mashonaland Central received the highest allocation, with 50 000 fingerlings stocked in seven dams, while Masvingo followed with 120 500 fingerlings spread across nine dams.

Mr Makumbe said the estimated harvest from these dams, one year after stocking, is projected at 35 tonnes per year.

This is enough to supply approximately 10 968 people based on the current annual fish consumption rate of 3,2 kilogrammes per person.

This initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of strengthening food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.

“By increasing fish production, the Government aims to provide a reliable source of protein while also creating economic opportunities for local communities through fishing and related activities,” added Mr Makumbe.