Minagri to increase fish production

The country is poised to register a significant increase in fish production following the adoption of various mechanisms and strategies, according to the Minister of Agriculture. Dr Agnes Kalibata said this yesterday after the ministry clinched an agreement with the Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries of the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville. The deal is in line with the bilateral framework between Congo Brazzaville and Rwanda that was recently signed by the respective Heads of State. “Currently, the fishing sector produces only 50 percent of the national demand, but our target is to make the country self-sufficient in fish production in the next one year,” Kalibata said, adding that the ultimate objective is to make Rwanda a fish exporter. She said that the ministry, in partnership with fish farmers, are undertaking various types of fish farming, including cage farming and ponds. Kalibata told The New Times that her ministry had put in place a department in charge of promotion of fish farming, urging farmers and the business community to invest in the sector, which she said was lucrative. She added that the government was planning to dispatch a team of experts to train the Congolese in modern fish farming. The Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville said: “This MoU is very critical in improving the fishing industry in our country because Rwanda has vast knowledge and experience regarding fish farming.” He noted that his country produces around 100,000 tonnes of fish per annum, adding that the skills they will acquire from Rwanda would help them bring to an end the importation of the commodity from other countries. steven.mugisha@newtimes.co.rw

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Minagri to increase fish production