Nyamagabe embarks on fish farming

Authorities in Nyamagabe district are working on a project to develop fish farming with the aim of helping local residents boost their revenues and improve their livelihoods.The project, which is supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will mainly benefit residents of Kamegeri and Gasaka sectors.The construction of fish ponds, covering an area of about 5 hectares, is in its final stage, while farming is expected to start not later than May, the district mayor Philbert Mugisha said.The fish farming initiative is part of a bigger project which seeks to develop fish breeding, poultry and mulberry cultivation in the area.Over 2000 local residents, mainly members of local farming cooperatives, are set to benefit from the project.Mugisha told The New Times that fish farming will be done both for subsistence and commercial purposes.He said apart from consuming fish, farmers will also be able to sell a part of their produce to boost their income.“There is high demand for fish. Hotels, restaurants, bars and even local people are all in need of fish. We believe this is a highly lucrative business which will help improve the lives of the population,” Mugisha said. Experts have tipped Rwanda as a country which still offers business opportunities and trade in the sector of fish farming and there have been constant calls on the private sector to venture into the field, with experts projecting an increasing demand and growing prices for the fish.Rich in calcium and phosphorus and a great source of minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium, fish is a recommended great dietary choice.Rwanda’s fish production grew from 7,000 tonnes in 2006 to 17,000 tonnes last year, according to official figures. This year, the country targets to produce at least 25,000 tonnes of fish while it projects a production of 120,000 tonnes by 2020.

National

Nyamagabe embarks on fish farming