21 Oct 2020

Mmadinare Fish Hatchery scientific officer, Mr Seabelo Thekiso has encouraged farmers to consider fish farming to diversify the income.

Speaking at a fish farming workshop in Serowe on Monday October 19, Mr Thekiso said fish farming had the potential to bring sufficient profits if taken seriously. 

He said if Batswana ventured into fish farming they could also boost the country’s food security.

Mr Thekiso noted that fish farming had the potential to sustain a farmer economically and nutritionally.

Fish meat, he observed was high in proteins which were macro elements responsible for growth and body repairs and also high in omega 3 fatty acids responsible for the good functioning of the brain.

Mr Thekiso advised Batswana to engage in fish farming instead of looking up to the government or companies for employment.

He therefore applauded farmers in the Serowe area for showing interest in fish farming and encouraged them not to despair but forge ahead with fishery business.  

For one to start this business, he said, there had to be a suitable site that would offer adequate water of good quality and enough land.

Mr Thekiso said different species may be farmed as long as they were indigenous except in a case of ornamental fish.

He further said the recommended fish species in the country were the catfish and tilapia because they had proved to do well as commercial aquaculture species.

The objectives of the workshop was to facilitate consultation and awareness sessions for fish farmers in greater Serowe and to bridge the information gaps on fish farming and the people it is designated for.

The other objective was to gauge the level of interest from aspiring farmers and also to decide on tailor made programme on aquaculture specifically designed for Serowe and surrounding areas. ENDS