The government of Zambia has been urged to ensure that it quickly releases the K5 million allocated for the establishment of a fisheries development fund next year so that it can contribute to the development of the fisheries sector.
Aquaculture Development Association of Zambia (ADAZ) chairperson Fisho Mwale was reacting to last week’s pronouncements by Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda that in the 2016 national budget, Government has allocated K5 million for the establishment of a fisheries development fund to provide credit to small-scale fish farmers.
In an interview on Saturday, Mr Mwale said the allocation gives Zambians an opportunity to invest in fish farming, which is profitable if done properly.
As ADAZ, we are excited especially for the incorporating of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries because it will bring the much-needed expertise in the sector. On the allocation of the K5 million for the establishment of the fisheries development fund in the 2016 national budget, we look forward to the money to be released as it will revolutionise the sector, he said.
Mr Mwale said the establishment of fish hatcheries in each province should also be expedited to enable more people who want to venture into fish farming.
He also said the creation of aqua-parks will help fish farmers’ access to training, which is critical in the aquaculture sector because it requires knowledge and information.
The creation of aqua-parks in Rufunsa, Kasempa, Mungwi and Chingola will play an important role because they will facilitate training as well as provide market to local fish farmers, he said.
He urged Zambians to utilise the abundant water resources that the country is endowed with to venture into fish farming.
2014 Zambia Daily Mail News