Fish farmers in Mzimba District have expressed concern with the rise in prices of fish feed, saying it is crippling their business.
They said this when they visited Viphya Chambo Fisheries and Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre in Mzuzu on Monday.
A fish farmer William Kachali from Traditional Authority M’mbelwa said he is using local feed which is poor because recommended feed is selling at K59 000 per 25 kilogramme (kg).
Another farmer Mercy Nyirenda expressed her enthusiasm for taking up fish farming but said the cost of feed was frustrating farmers.
“I have learned that fish feed is crucial for fish to grow fast, so we appeal for reduced prices,” she said.
Northern Region deputy director of fisheries David Mbamba said the region will start producing feed at Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre.
“Having feed is crucial and we are committed to supporting farmers in the district in accessing high-quality feed,” he said.
Mbamba said a mill is available and it has capacity to produce 40 tonnes of feed a day.
“We just lack other resources to start producing the feed so we are negotiating with government to help us,” he said.
On her part, Viphya Chambo Cooperative managing director Florence Mwangonde encouraged the farmers to take fish farming seriously.
Mzimba Farmers Association team leader John Pemba said they made the tour to learn tips for raising fish.
Farmers Union of Malawi Mzimba Chapter and M’mbelwa District Council organised the tour
