NTUNGAMO – Fish farmers in Ntungamo District have been encouraged to adopt a razor-sharp stocking strategy to curb overpopulation and unlock the door to premium markets.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The advice was issued by Ntungamo District Fisheries Officer Amos Besigye during an engagement with the delegation from the Rushenyi Fish Farmers Association on a hands-on benchmarking tour.
Members of the Rushenyi county-based association last week toured seven well-established fish ponds owned by Ntungamo Chairperson Samuel Mucunguzi, with the primary goal of sharpening their farming techniques and boosting market competitiveness.
Speaking to the farmers during the visit, Besigye advised them to stock their ponds with only male fish to avoid the pitfalls of rampant breeding.
He warned that failing to control reproduction results in congested ponds, stunted growth, and small fish that cannot command premium prices, making the male-only strategy essential for profitable farming.
“Think of your pond as a nursery. You wouldn’t overcrowd a classroom and expect every child to thrive. The same applies to fish, stock only males, give them space to grow, and you will harvest the rewards,” Besigye advised.
Farmers were meticulously guided through pond construction standards, water management, and the crucial distinction between fish species, with a specific focus on catfish and tilapia.
Rushenyi Fish Farmers Association Chairperson Isaac Tayebwa said the benchmarking tour gave members valuable insights into improving fish quality and feeding practices.
“We have come to learn how to improve the quality of our fish and the effectiveness of our feeding regimes. This knowledge is a game-changer for our members,” Tayebwa stated.
However, Tayebwa identified expensive feeds and pond construction costs as the main obstacles discouraging new farmers and hindering the expansion of fish farming in the area.
In response to the farmers’ concerns, Fisheries Officer Besigye disclosed that the district administration is crafting an intervention plan to address the challenges.
He revealed that subsidized feeds and high-quality fingerlings of superior breeds would soon be made available to lower entry barriers and boost productivity for both new and existing farmers.
The benchmarking tour marks a new chapter of collaboration and knowledge exchange in Uganda’s fisheries sector, demonstrating that with the right techniques and support, success is within reach.
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