Editors PickNational News

Fisheries sector neglected—Kutsaira

Malawi_fishermenGovernment says the fisheries sector is faced with adequate relevant strategies and non-existence of institutions that would help to improve the contribution of fish to the economy.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Binton Kutsaira was speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday at a meeting organised by the sector and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to share findings of fish consumption survey conducted by the Norwegian Fisheries Development Services.

Said Kutsaira: “Despite the presence of its policy instruments, issues pertaining to the fisheries sector and the contribution it makes to food security and nutrition have not been given the importance they deserve.”

“Thus the Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Fisheries sought assistance from the European Union (EU)-supported Smartfish programme to help with identification of issues that are critical to the promotion of a better recognition of fish food security and nutrition,” he added.

Fisheries director Alexander Bulirani said the sector plays a crucial role of providing 70 percent of animal protein and 40 percent of the proteins that people eat.

“Thus, we want to look at how this sector, with that importance, is integrated in other food and nutrition policies. Is it well reflected in those policies? What should we do to make sure that it is recognised in all relevant policies to do with food securities?” said Bulirani.

Related Articles

Back to top button