The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (Fisheries), Prof. Mohammed Sheikh, has directed the Aquaculture Development Department to strengthen supervision and quality control of fish fingerlings produced and distributed to farmers at the Katabe fish farming site in Kigoma Region.
Prof. Sheikh issued the directive on April 15, 2026, during his visit to the site where he met and listened to challenges facing beneficiaries engaged in cage fish farming.
The visit focused on assessing production performance and identifying key obstacles affecting the growth of the sector.
He said the government is determined to improve the aquaculture industry through enhanced research and the use of modern technology to ensure the availability of high-quality fish fingerlings across the country.
Prof. Sheikh noted that strong and healthy fingerlings are a foundation for successful fish farming, especially in cage systems, where growth rate and survival depend heavily on initial stock quality.
He added that the government is planning to undertake a national scientific study aimed at improving breeding systems and developing better fish strains that can grow faster, adapt to environmental changes, and increase productivity for farmers.
“The quality of fish fingerlings is a key foundation for increasing production in cage fish farming, improving farmers’ income, and ensuring the success of fisheries development initiatives,” he emphasized.
He instructed technical experts to closely monitor hatcheries and distribution systems to ensure farmers receive sufficient and high-quality fingerlings at the right time.
He also called for improved coordination among stakeholders to strengthen the entire aquaculture value chain.
During the visit, farmers at Katabe expressed concern over a recent decline in fish production compared to previous seasons.
They said the situation has been caused by reduced quality of fingerlings and delays in the supply of fish feed, which has negatively affected fish growth and overall yields.
The chairperson of the beneficiaries’ group, Suleiman Ibrahim, said farmers are facing increasing challenges that are affecting their income and sustainability of operations.
He urged authorities to improve the supply system for both fingerlings and fish feed to restore productivity.
“We are experiencing lower production than before, mainly due to poor-quality fingerlings and delays in getting fish feed. This has reduced our output and income,” he said.
For his part, Kigoma Ujiji Municipal Fisheries Officer, Subugu Masami, said the authorities have already begun implementing corrective measures.
He explained that efforts are underway to improve the quality of fingerlings and strengthen extension services for farmers.
He added that training programs are being intensified to equip farmers with better knowledge on cage management, feeding practices, and general fish farming techniques to improve efficiency and productivity.
The government continues to promote cage fish farming as part of its broader strategy to develop the blue economy, enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and increase income for communities living around major water bodies in the country.
