Low cost feed could improve fish farming

Research conducted by New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) Regional Fish Node has revealed that low cost fish feed could improve fish farming in the country.

Speaking during the research’s dissemination in Mangochi by Nepad Regional Fish Node under Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Professor Emmanuel Kaunda said fish farming can be a profitable venture for farmers.

He said the research, which Luanar did in conjunction with its partners, will enhance development of low-cost diets, optimum feeding strategies and marketing for enhanced Tilapia production.

Said Kaunda: “Using a series of experiments, the study sought to develop a supplemental feed and identify appropriate marketing conditions sustainable for commercialising small-scale aquaculture.”

Deputy director of fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Steve Doda welcomed the research findings, saying this will help small-scale fish farmers in the country and that production of fish could be doubled.

Fish feed constitutes the major production cost in fish farming, accounting for approximately 60 percent of total production cost.