By RODGERS KALERO
THE National Treasury with help from cooperating partners has secured funds specifically for genetic improvement of fish species in the country, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Himba Cheelo has said
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Ms Cheelo said the funds have since been reserved to ensure continuity of the programme which was part of poverty alleviation and food security and was also aimed at realising the intended benefits as guided by the 2022/2026 Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategic Plan.
She said the programme would help in developing the fisheries sector through improved productivity to enhance economic growth as well as food security for the country as well as at household level.
She said Government will therefore continue to invest in fish genetic improvement programmes to improve the availability of local species on the market.
She was speaking on Tuesday during the closure of the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprises Development Project (ZAEDP) Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) which was being spearheaded by WorldFish
“Government is setting the stage for poverty alleviation and food security in many ways. This programme is one of alleviating poverty and hunger. So, Government through the national treasury with help from cooperating partners has secured funds specifically for genetic improvement of fish species in the country, we are committed to supporting this sector in a bid to spur economic growth for our country,” Ms Cheelo said
She said genetic improvement programmes had the potential to boost fish production in the country.
She said the closure of the programme marks a huge milestone achieved in making local fish species more competitive on the market and also further had helped in improved growth rate of fish, disease tolerance, improvement in profitability of farmers and survival rate.
Ms Cheelo however cited some of the challenges under the programme such as delays in the implementation of the programme and the recent outbreak of Covid-19 as well as suspected outbreak of fish disease.
Meanwhile, WorldFish director Victor Siamudaala said the organisation was appointed as a technical advisor in the implementation of the project which had helped in improving production of indigenous fish.
Dr Siamudaala said this would translate in increased household income for farmers.
He also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to work closely with the government in improving the fisheries sector.
“This programme has been a success as it has helped reduce fish supply deficit in the country,” Dr Siamudaala said.
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