The first-ever Fisheries Value Chain Indaba was held in Harare on Wednesday, where the government announced plans to introduce a fisheries bill aimed at addressing the key challenges in the sector. Hosted in partnership with Buy Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the Indaba provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss pressing issues impacting the fisheries industry.
Speaking to Great Dyke News, Buy Zimbabwe Public Relations and Communications Executive, Moses Charedzera, outlined the concerns raised by industry players. These included the high cost of fish feed, the poor quality of fingerlings, cheap fish imports, and the absence of adequate regulation.
Charedzera highlighted that Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, reassured attendees that the government is working on a comprehensive fisheries bill to tackle these issues.
“Fisheries are a critical part of Zimbabwe’s food security strategy,” said Professor Jiri, adding that the government aims to make fish a staple food in the country. He also revealed that the decentralization of fingerlings is a priority, with plans to establish two fish ponds at each of the 35,000 rural industrialization centers across Zimbabwe.
He said Professor Jiri further challenged young entrepreneurs to innovate and create affordable fish feeds as part of the government’s broader strategy to expand the sector.
Currently, Zimbabwe produces 15,000 metric tons of fish annually, falling short of the 60,000 metric tons required to meet national demand.
