Zimbabwe has received a major boost following the introduction of a globally recognised European Union-certified fish feed that is expected to improve productivity and support Government’s drive to build a US$1 billion fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The premium feed, manufactured by Danish aquaculture giant Aller Aqua and distributed locally by Fin Fish Suppliers, is already used by fish farmers in more than 70 countries.
The latest consignment has arrived in Zimbabwe as demand for quality fish feed continues to rise among both smallholder and commercial producers.
Fin Fish Suppliers director Mr Tinashe Chihota said the partnership with Aller Aqua will give Zimbabwean fish farmers access to internationally proven feed technology that has consistently delivered better production results across global markets.
“We are happy to tell farmers that a new consignment with enough feed to saturate the market has arrived and we are expecting more deliveries this week,” he said.
Mr Chihota said the feed has an average feed conversion ratio (FCR) of below 1.4, enabling farmers to produce more fish using less feed while lowering production costs and improving profitability.
“It is a premium European Union-certified product that has earned a global reputation for reliability, which is why we describe it as the ‘Toyota of fish feed’,” he said.
He said the improved feed enables fish farmers to achieve faster growth rates, with fish reaching an average weight of 350 grammes in about 134 days and 500 grammes in approximately 184 days under recommended production systems.
Mr Chihota said introducing internationally recognised feed technologies would strengthen Zimbabwe’s aquaculture value chain by improving production efficiency, reducing waste and increasing the competitiveness of locally produced fish.
He said wider adoption of modern aquaculture inputs would also improve farmer incomes and support the country’s efforts to meet the growing demand for affordable fish.
The introduction of the feed comes as Government continues promoting private sector investment to modernise fisheries and aquaculture.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said fish farming remains a strategic sector for Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
“As you may be aware, fish farming is a strategic pillar for Zimbabwe’s economic revival, food and nutrition security. By diversifying agricultural exports, curbing malnutrition and creating rural employment, the sector directly aligns with national growth targets,” said Prof Jiri.
Government has identified fisheries and aquaculture as key pillars of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, the Zimbabwe Tilapia Value Chain Market Strategy and the transboundary Lake Kariba Blue Economy Strategy as it works towards establishing a US$1 billion aquaculture industry through increased production, investment and adoption of modern technologies.
