Mwanza fish feed plant to boost aquaculture Deputy Minister

GEITA: THE government has unveiled plans to construct a fish feed production plant in Mwanza, an initiative aimed at reducing production costs for fish farmers using cagefarming systems and boosting fish production nationwide.

Addressing beneficiaries of the cage fish-farming project in the Kisoko area of Mwanza Region, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ms Ng’wasi Kamani said the Ministry has prioritised the construction of the plant as part of broader efforts to ease the financial burden on Tanzanians investing in aquaculture.

“Through various projects supported by our development partners, the Ministry is moving forward with plans to establish an additional fish feed production plant,” she said.

She added that the Ministry has also developed a strategy to engage private sector stakeholders in discussions aimed at strengthening the production of quality fish fingerlings and affordable fish feed for the benefit of citizens.

The Deputy Minister further noted that the government, through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, is expanding access to government-backed loans to ensure all stakeholders along the fisheries value chain can benefit.

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Speaking earlier while inaugurating the 13th Parliament in Dodoma in November last year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the government is set to revolutionise the fisheries and livestock sectors through strategic investments, including value addition, expansion of international markets and create employment opportunities.

She said the focus is to ensure the sectors contribute more effectively to the national economy, adding that efforts are already underway to identify opportunities and implement reforms in animal husbandry.

Among the government’s key commitments, President Samia highlighted plans to expand surveyed and designated grazing areas from 3.46 million acres to six million acres, a move aimed at preventing conflicts between livestock keepers and other land users while increasing the production of animal fodder.

“This measure will help prevent conflicts and support the transition towards modern livestock management,” President Samia said.

She added that, to access international markets, the government will continue strengthening livestock vaccination and identification systems to improve product quality and enhance global competitiveness