ZIMBABWE has recorded a 25% rise in the national fish production, bringing the annual tonnage to 32 000 metric tonnes in the past three years, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development deputy minister Davis Marapira has said.
Speaking at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Communications and Advocacy Donor Round Table hosted by Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) in Harare last week, Marapira said the ministry had prioritised the sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s food security strategy, rural empowerment and climate resilience.
SARDC is an independent regional knowledge resource centre established in 1985 to strengthen regional policy perspectives and track implementation on a range of issues in southern Africa and works in partnership at national and regional levels.
SARDC is made up of topical institutes that focus on relevant regional processes and has a long track record of achievements in partnership with the Southern African Development Community member State governments and other stakeholders in the development sector.
Marapira said the government established a standalone department that targeted fish production and commercialisation in the country.
“Over the past three years, we have witnessed marginal and meaningful growth in this sector. Since the implementation of targeted activities under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) in my ministry, we have witnessed a remarkable 25% increase in national fish production, bringing our annual tonnage to 32 000 metric tonnes to date,” he said.
“This growth is not just a statistic, it is a signal of transformation. It reflects the hard work of our farmers, the commitment of our institutions and the power of collaboration.
“It is a step towards our goal of reaching 60 000 metric tonnes per year and building a billion-dollar fisheries and aquaculture economy.”
