Fish farming flourishes in Rwamagana

Fish farming has become the main focus for most residents of Rwamagana District after realising the profits that come with the business. The farming is supported by Inland Lakes Integrated Development and Management Support Project (PAIGELAC). Fish farmers say the alternative farming was fetching them good profits. Jean Damascene Ndikubwimana, a resident of Nyagasambo Village, said people noticed the importance of fish farming. “Fish farming takes small space and generates high revenues as opposed to crop growing. It is a matter of observing the scientific procedures that go with it. I can see more farmers join it in future,” he said. Mari Claire Mujawamariya, another farmer said that more people were buying plots in areas that favour fish farming. “With Rwf2 million, you get good land for fish farming. Access to water is all that you need. Production increaseThe district veterinary officer, Jean de Dieu Niyitanga confirmed that fish production has increased since the launch of a fish production project. The officer said production had risen up from 20 tonnes of fish per year, to over 40 tonnes, lauding the farmers for embracing the project. Niyitanga said fish farming has attracted many farmers, who have since constructed their own ponds. “Before the launch of the programme, there were a handful of farmers involved in fish farming, but now many farmers have joined the project,’’ Niyitanga said. He appealed to the farmers to take fish farming seriously as an income-generating activity, and not as part time business, saying many farmers have managed to take their children to school courtesy of fish farming.

National

Fish farming flourishes in Rwamagana