The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has pledged to strengthen support for aquaculture farmers in the Zambezi Region through improved technical assistance, training and regular monitoring.

Ruthy Masake made the commitment during an engagement with aquaculture farmers in the region.

Masake said the ministry would organise a training workshop to equip farmers with practical skills and knowledge to improve fish production.

She also acknowledged challenges surrounding the supply and quality of fingerlings, pledging closer monitoring and regular follow-up visits to address the gaps.

Masake encouraged farmers to form cooperatives to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and improve their bargaining power.

She said the Ministry's cooperative development section would provide guidance and support to farmers interested in establishing such structures.

“I was checking, and I noticed that aquaculture was a division on the verge of collapse. During the previous financial year, it was not allocated any budget. However, from last year to the present, funding has been allocated to the division.”

Due to the persistent shortage of fish feed, Masake called on local investors to consider establishing a fish-feed manufacturing and fish-processing plant to reduce dependence.

She also encouraged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities by growing soya beans and other crops that could provide raw materials for local fish-feed production.

Addressing concerns over the high costs of constructing fish ponds and drilling boreholes, Masake urged farmers to explore financing opportunities through institutions such as Agribank.

Masake also commended veterinary officials for their prompt response following the confirmation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease at Kalala Island, despite operational challenges.

She urged veterinary officials to sustain the efforts already underway to contain and eradicate the disease.