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Buy Zimbabwe chairperson, Munyaradzi Hwengwere has confirmed the gravity of concerns raised by fish producers regarding the local exorbitant cost of production, highlighting how such rising expenses were resulting in locally produced fish being priced higher than the imported and going out of reach for consumers.
Addressing TechnoMag exclusively at the ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chain Indaba’ held in Harare earlier today, the former Zimbabwe Broadcasting CEO and current BAZ board member said Zimbabwe is no longer in the top ten producers of quality fish yet not long ago it was in the top three.
Hwengwere lambasted the lack of will power on those that contributed to the demise of Zimbabwe’s once vibrant fish industry.
The Buy Zimbabwe Campaign boss also warned against fish smuggling which has flooded the Zimbabwean market saying this brings a health hazard and dangers considering no one knows how the fish smuggled was produced.He also encouraged those that make policies affecting fish farming to come up with measures that will make the industry viable again so that locals consider first theit produce before looking elsewhere.
Meanwhile Speaking on behalf of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri alluded to Hwengwere’s school of thought promising a bill loaded with a cocktail of measures targeted at addressing the plethora of ills bedevilling aquaculture development in the country.
The Permanent Secretary said government will soon introduce a fisheries bill while Speaking at the ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chain Indaba’ held in Harare.
The Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary also said, the Government plans to tackle the various levies and taxes that hinder small-scale fishers from fully participating in the value chain.
“To alleviate the financial burdens that small-scale fishers face, which often hinder their ability to compete effectively in the market, we are assessing and potentially reducing specific levies and taxes to create a more inclusive environment for these vital contributors to the industry,” said Professor Jiri.
According to the Buy Zimbabwe Chairman Hwengwere, ”
“Zimbabwe currently has a fish demand of 60 000 tonnes per year against current output of 15 000, which leaves a deficit of 45 000 tonnes.”
Both government and Buy Zimbabwe believe focusing the country’s efforts and resources on growing local fish production, will enable the nation to develop a thriving sector that provides an alternative protein source thereby enhancing food security.
The new trajectory comes on the premise of different Government initiatives targetinh lowering the import bill simultaneously standing arms and shoulders with local fish farmers.
Prioritising local producers, will allow the Second Republic a chance to create a more self-sufficient and resilient economy with these initiatives not only meant to enhance economic growth but to also contribute to sustainable production and food security.
Garikayi Munatsirei, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Fish Producers Association, sang from the same hymn book stating the importance of intense research and development within the sector to tackle the existing shortages of fingerlings and feed.
“By addressing these shortages we position the industry for the sustainable growth of the fish production industry in Zimbabwe as effective research and development can lead to innovative solutions that enhance productivity,” he said.
This is justified at a time aquaculture players bemoan the price of good quality fingerlings and feed they say are negatively impacting the cost of production.
Crafting a fisheries bill is expected to go a long way bringing sanity into the sub-sector in the wake of growing calls by stakeholders for the former to update the regulatory framework to address contemporary challenges.
“High costs associated with fish farming not only impact the profitability of fish farming but also translate into unaffordable prices for consumers, making it difficult for many to afford locally produced fish,” PS Jiri added.
The ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chain Indaba’ held in Harare will also eliminate bureaucracy which delays progress
“The fisheries bill will create a more efficient regulatory framework for the fishing industry through streamlining regulations to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder the operations of fishermen and businesses,” confirmed PS Jiri.
This fisheries bill signifys leaps and bounds towards President Mnangagwa’s vision 2030 leaving no one behind ccreating a middle income economy and a more organised, sustainable, and responsible fishing industry.
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