Aquaculture farmers of the western division have welcomed a new aquaculture hatchery that was recently opened in Naboni, Ra.
The new hatchery will assist farmers in providing fish and prawn for farming on more than 90 ponds that are active in the division.
“We are thankful that we do not have to look for our own hatcheries or buy fish to farm,” said Nadalei farmer Inosi Vosa.
“Since we started with tilapia farming, the fisheries and agriculture departments have been very helpful in their assistance whether it be technical of financial.”
Government’s objective in assisting cane farmers to venturing into aquaculture and vegetable farming is to supplement their cane income.
Principle Fisheries Officer Lautoka, Mr George Madden says new techniques and initiatives have been implemented to assist farmers meet market demands.
“If you see tilapia sells very fast in all our towns and cities and its easy money for an idle piece of land which we assist villages and settlements turn into an income generating facility,” Mr Madden said.
The new hatchery will assist farmers in the whole division including Nadi, Sigatoka, Rakiraki, Nadarivatu and Ra.
“Government through the fisheries department supplies 5000 tilapia for farming after every harvest. That is if the tilapia is not able to reproduce like in Nadarivatu because of the altitude.”
Nadi farmer, Prem Singh who recently received his supplies from the hatchery said he was hoping to increase the number of ponds to three from the current two that he has.
“I am grateful that new programmes are now available to us in the off season which assists farmers like me to put food on the table. I received more than $1,700 from my last harvest and it has helped me and my family a lot.”
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