THE Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on Government to support upcoming fish farmers by improving their access to knowledge and finance to grow their businesses.
Government is expected to increase fish production from 20,000 to 80,000 metric tonnes by 2018 by establishing infrastructure at the community fingerlings production centre.
The centres are Mpungu, Chibale, Kandata, Matipa, Nshinso, Malali, Lumba and Mwandi.
Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief administrator Humphrey Chishala said in an interview that the position taken by Government to increase fish production is a positive one.
Mr Chishala said through access to knowledge and finance, farmers would create job opportunities for themselves and others.
“The chamber is alive to the fact that all regions of Zambia can in one way or another accommodate fish farms given the vast water ways that Zambia has. The youth can engage in fish production and create jobs for themselves and others,” he said.
Mr Chishala said with acquired knowledge and finance, farmers would form partnerships with established companies that would help them advance their businesses.
He said youths can work with other companies in processing and marketing the fish that they will be breeding.
Mr Chishala said through groups, youths can start identifying land where fishing facilities can be built.
He urged youths to work closely with government structures and chamber movements in their respective provinces for them to acquire the necessary support from government.
