Ntungamo,Uganda – In a move to boost fish farming and improve methods of fish rearing, representatives from Rushenyi county, under their umbrella organization, the Rushenyi Fish Farmers Association, visited the seven fish ponds belonging to Ntungamo LCV Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba on Thursday. The aim was to benchmark existing practices and identify ways to improve fish farming methods, produce good quality fish, and achieve market-competitive sizes.
During their interaction with the Rushenyi fish farmers, the Ntungamo District Fisheries Officer, Mr. Amos Besigye, advised them on stocking strategies. He cautioned against stocking too many female fish due to rapid reproduction, which can lead to overcrowding and hinder the attainment of desired market sizes. Instead, he recommended stocking ponds primarily with male fish.
The farmers were benchmarked on pond size and construction, as well as fish types, including catfish and tilapia. Mr. Besigye noted that the standard size of a fish pond is 10 meters wide by 30 meters long.
He also highlighted the market price of fish, stating that a kilogram ranges between 8,000/= and 12,000/= directly from the farm, depending on the fish’s size.
The Chairperson of the Rushenyi Fish Farmers, Mr. Isaac Tayebwa, expressed that the benchmarking exercise will be instrumental in helping farmers improve fish quality and feeding practices. He underscored the challenges affecting their operations, such as a lack of funds for fish feed and difficulties in constructing fish ponds, which act as setbacks for those wishing to join the fish farming project.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Amos Besigye stated that the district is planning to assist fish farmers with fish feed and high-quality fish fingerlings for their ponds.
Story By: Amon Muhumuza
