Over K20m disbursed to aquaculture sector

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 17:08:20 +0000

By MAILESI BANDA

OVER K20 million has been dispersed to the aquaculture sector by the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) in the last five years, as part of the commission’s commitment to boost fish farming in the country.

CEEC director general Likando Mukumbuta said a total of K20, 112,701 million was disbursed to 300 aquaculture farmers in 12 districts from 2013.

Mr. Mukumbuta was speaking when he made a submission before the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Lands and Natural Resources which is being chaired by Kaputa Member of Parliament, Maxas Ng’onga.

He said CEEC is implementing an extensive and robust aquaculture investment programme that is aimed at developing fish farmers in 12 districts.

Mr Mukumbuta said the commission was committed to boost fish farming in the country to become top producers of quality fish adding that this will contribute to job creation.  “We have faced challenges in the implementation of projects in the fish subsector like inadequate supply of good quality fingerlings to the farmers and the non-availability of a hatchery in a given location which continues to affect the rate of which projects are being implemented,” he said.

He further said despite the commission paying the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock K63, 820 for the production of 262,000 fingerlings through its research stations only 114,000 fingerlings were delivered leaving a balance of 148,000 fingerlings undelivered to mall holder fish farmers as of 31st December, 2017. Mr Mukumbuta noted that the fish subsector plays a pivotal role in driving the Zambian economy towards and

Improving the food security and nutrition status of households. He named the districts that have benefited from the funding as Ndola, Luanshya Rufunsa, Siavonga, Nchelenge, Mpulungu and Kitwe. While others are Others are Chavuma, Mwandi, Chitambo, Mwansabombwe and Kalulushi.