Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:09:44 +0000
By Mailesi Banda
THERE is need for the setting up of aquaculture research institutes to grow fish production in the country, Aquaculture Development of Zambia chairperson, Fisho Mwale has said.
Mr. Mwale said offering extension services to the farmers would encourage more people to venture into fish production, adding that this would help reduce on the imports into the country.
He said the sector needed to have a research institute that would provide the farmers with the necessary knowledge and information on the good practices in fish farming.
Mr Mwale explained that the association was spearheading the formulation of a research institute.
“In order for us to have a developed aquaculture sector there is need for the establishment of a research institute that will provide the information of the various species, conducive environment and how to come up with the proper facilities to grow different species.”
He said extension services were key especially for farmers that were engaging in fish farming for the first time. He explained that having a research institute would allow researchers study which region was convenient for which particular fish breed and how the farmers could increase their production capacity.
Mr Mwale said increasing fish production by the local people should be priority to reduce the fish deficit and protect the sector from being infiltrated by foreigners.
He emphasised that it was worth noting that Zambia had a number of water bodies that provided the platform for the production of fish.
Mr Mwale also challenged traditional fishermen to be part of the campaign and contribute to fish production, adding that the use of bad fishing practices would lead to fish depleting and a loss of the source of income for the fishermen.
He said it was important to empower traditional fishermen with skills that will enable them produce fish in the water bodies they fished from.
