EDITOR
The Rubanda District Local Government has initiated the construction of tilapia fish breeding ponds aimed at scaling up fish production and reducing reliance on distant hatcheries. The project, spearheaded by the Production and Marketing Department, will feature four mother brooding ponds and four nursery ponds, set up as demonstration sites for local fish farmers.
According to Mr. Denis Mubangizi, the District Fisheries Officer, the hatchery is projected to produce up to 10,000 tilapia fingerlings every three months, significantly enhancing the district’s capacity to meet growing demand for fish.
“This hatchery will not only boost fish production in Rubanda but will also cut down on the costs and long distances farmers currently endure to access the nearest brooding centre in Bushenyi,” Mubangizi said.
Rubanda District currently has an estimated 200 active fish farmers managing about 150 fish ponds, collectively producing approximately 1,000 kilograms of fish per season. The new hatchery project is expected to support 30 selected farmers per season, with each receiving 350 tilapia fingerlings to stock their ponds.
The initiative is positioned as a strategic investment in agribusiness development, with the potential to strengthen local food security, create jobs, and increase household incomes through sustainable aquaculture practices.
