Govt prepares programme to develop aquaculture
MINISTER for Livestock and Fisheries, Mashimba Ndaki said the government has prepared a programme aimed at developing aquaculture by providing financial support to players in the sector.
Speaking before witnessing the signing of the 60bn/- contract memorandum between the Tanzania Development Bank (TADB) and the ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, a move to help the struggling fisheries sector.
The amount is meant to provide interest free loans for aquaculture development to individuals and groups of fishermen in the country.
He said the programme follows a directive issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in January, 2022, calling for stakeholders to utilize available opportunities brought by the blue economy, including improving aquaculture.
During this year’s farmers and livestock show, commonly known as ‘Nane Nane’exhibitions, the president called on the ministry to ensure fish production increases from 497,567 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes by 2025.
He said in implementing the directives issued by the head of State, the ministry has come up with a programme to empower individual fishermen, groups, aquatics, fishing cooperatives and companies.
The minister explained that financial assistance will be for purchase of modern fishing equipment like fiber boats, fishing nets, fish finger lets, fish food and inputs for kilimo cha mwani.
He called on the fishing stakeholders to tap the opportunity and get the loans, emphasizing that local government authority encourages people to go for the support and help improve their activities.
Minister Ndaki thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for setting a side 60 bn/- for the development of the fisheries sector in the 2022/23.
“It is my hope that if this amount is wisely utilized, the president is likely to approve a budget increment in the coming financial year” he added.
On his part, the Deputy Minister, Abdallah Ulega acknowledged that fishermen hardly access loans from the financial institutions, commending TADB for the good gesture.
“TADB has a big role in ensuring that loans reach the targeted groups of people for many people have struggled to access such services in vain” he said.
On her part, the Parliamentary Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee Chairperson, Dr Christine Ishengoma expressed the committee’s gratitude on the matter, saying it has always pushed the government to see how to improve the fishing sector.
TADB Director, Frank Nyabudenge said his institution will continue supporting the agriculture sector as its core business.
He said the aim of the bank is to boost agricultural production, increase food availability in the country and change lives of people, especially those directly involved in the agriculture production chains.
