Fish farming spreading fast

 By PETER ESOP WARI

LOCALS in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands are taking up fish farming after the National Fisheries Authority gave K500,000 to kick-start their project.

The farmers have started digging fishponds although they are finding it hard to get fingerlings. 

Farmer Andrew John said after learning so much about inland fish farming, he and his brothers decided to be involved in it.

“I am one of the hundreds of locals who have decided to start up the inland fish farming project and many others living on the border of Imbonggu and Mendi-Munhiu districts are also interested,” John said.

“But many are confused how they would obtain the fingerlings and how to look after and sustain the important agricultural activity.”

He said provincial government officers should conduct public awareness to help the farmers who want to take up fish farming but lack fingerlings.

Southern Highlands provincial agriculture and livestock adviser Kenneth Kuim Toap said locals should see provincial fisheries officer Anton Mal to get fingerlings.

Toap said they could also get fingerlings from Clement Napas from Tepe village in Imbonggu, who was the first person to start a fish farming project.

The Government has allocated K33 million for inland fish farming, he said.