Over 400 Homa Bay fish farmers to benefit from aquaculture equipment
Fish farmers in Homa Bay have received fishing kits worth Sh50 million.
The equipment, including fishing nets, pond liners, laptops and six motorbikes were issued to agricultural extension officers in six subcounties.
The materials will benefit over 400 fish farmers and support aquaculture extension services through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme.
The support came from the national government through the State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy.
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Lawrence Omuhaka oversaw the launch of the distribution of the equipment in Homa Bay town.
He said that the ABDP programme had been launched in 15 counties including Migori, Siaya, Kisii, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Homa Bay, Kiambu among others.
“This programme will ensure an overall economic transformation of the fish farmers in the country as well as fast-track the realisation of Vision 2030,” Omuhaka said.
The CAS encouraged farmers to invest in fish feeds which will enable an increase in the quantity and quality of fish produced. The demand for fish is expected to increase to over 360,000 metric tonnes by 2025, he said. Fish farmers need to take advantage of the demand.
State Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy PS Francis Owino said that the programme was part of the Big Four Agenda by the government to ensure food and nutrition security.
Homa Bay Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock executive Aguko Juma called on the farmers to take advantage of the programme to boost fish production and ease the pressure on Lake Victoria for fish supply.
He urged the security agencies to provide adequate protection for the farmer’s fish ponds to curb theft.
Aguko told the beneficiaries to ensure that the materials are used prudently and for the intended purposes.