By Samuel Sitati
The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Wednesday distributed over 170,000 fingerlings to fish farmers.
In the exercise that was conducted by the county’s Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, Livestock and Fisheries 900 bags of Fish Feed were also issued out to farmers.
The program is part of an initiative aimed at increasing the intake of white meat which is very experts say is healthy.
Agriculture Chief Officer Elijah Koech speaking while leading the exercise expressed Governor Jonathan Bii’s determination to promote farmers as outlined in his Nguzo Kumi agenda and enhance the living standard of the locals.
“As a department, we are determined to support our farmers, and therefore call upon them to immerse into aqua-culture; white meat is much more nutritious and free from cholesterol cancer,” Koech added.
Deputy Director for Fisheries Edna Kemei on her part pointed out the county’s conducive climate condition which is favourable for fish farming.
She said with the availability of dams and boreholes, farmers can access water to construct fish ponds and culture fish.
Boost fish farming
The director further said the endeavour will largely boost fish farming, improve food security and assure reduced poverty from fish sales.
“Our extension officers are over-committed to serving fish farmers in all wards in the county to ensure proper rearing of fish that certifies high production,’ Kemei added.
In the meantime, the Uasin Gishu fish farmers co-operative society officials expressed their gratitude to the department.
This is even as they asked all fish farmers to register with the co-operative society to enable them access links to the market and other opportunities from the County government, and other organizations that may be interested in supporting the farmers.
They hinted at a plan to build more fish outlets in Turbo and Cheptiret Markets.
The officials also asked the county government to support the plan so as to enable farmers to access the market for their fish produce.
They also called for improvement to be done on the Kimumu/Bahati Fresh Produce Market to enable it to handle sun drying.
