The government has assured Tanzanians that fish raised in cages and ponds are safe for human consumption, saying the products undergo scientific checks to ensure they meet required quality standards.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Damas Kamani said consumers should have no concerns about the safety of farmed fish, provided the fish are produced in accordance with approved standards.
Mr Kamani made the remarks yesterday, September 13, during a working visit to Sengerema District, where he toured Zhongzhi Aquaculture Company Limited, a private investor engaged in aquaculture.
He said the government regularly monitors fish farming operations, including the quality of feed used to raise the fish.
“The fish are scientifically tested at the National Fisheries Laboratory, while the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) conducts research on the quality of fish fingerlings and monitors the environment in which the fish are raised,” he said.
He said the measures were aimed at protecting consumers while supporting the growth of aquaculture as a source of food, income and employment.
Mr Kamani also urged young Tanzanians to take advantage of government financing opportunities for productive activities, including loans for fishing boats, fish cages and livestock.
He said the support enables young people to access fish fingerlings, livestock, equipment and other infrastructure required to establish or expand their businesses.
The Deputy Minister further encouraged young people to learn modern fish-farming technologies from investors operating in the sector, saying access to skills and technology would help improve productivity.
He said the government would continue working with private investors and other stakeholders to expand aquaculture and create more employment opportunities for young people.
“We want to see increased production, more jobs for young people and higher incomes. Young Tanzanians should therefore use the opportunities available and learn modern production technologies from investors,” he said.