Fisheries Dept. to commence creation of fish ponds in Reg. 6 this week

• in an effort to assist farmers with doubling production

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha M.P. Saturday last hosted a stakeholders’ meeting with residents of Region Six to discuss projects relating to aquaculture development.

During the meeting, which was held at the Albion Sports Complex, Minister Mustapha told stakeholders that the Fisheries Department is scheduled to commence works this week to develop new fish ponds in the region.

“In the coming week we’ll start the work to create various ponds across Region Six. The Fisheries Department will start the earth work in terms of putting in the tubes and so. Based on the list that was created, our officers will make contact with you so that we can commence those works. Two excavators will be made available to do those works,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Minister also told stakeholders that the Government’s long-term goal is have a hatchery and feed mill so that the necessary shrimp species can be provided to supply the sector. This, he added, will be done in a more controlled and scientific way.

The Minister also said the Fisheries Department had conducted a survey which determined that it should move ahead with establishing the ponds and also outlined the most suited areas.

“The Fisheries Department was tasked with conducting a survey in Region Six to determine the number of farmers that we have and what is needed to move ahead with what we have planned for the Region’s aquaculture sector. By the end of this year, we want to double the production of brackish water shrimp from 250,000 kilograms to 500,000 kilograms. All of the technical advice is showing that we can achieve that target. That would entail a number of interventions from the Government.

Stakeholders who attanded the meeting

I want to assure you that we will not compromise any sea defense structure. Our technical people have already submitted a report to us showing where these ponds will be established. We are not doing this to only improve your livelihood in terms of income. We want to increase the capacity of the shrimp production in Region Six while creating employment for people. These interventions have to be translated to the other sectors because it is part of the Government’s overall plan for development and economic growth.”

During a recent visit to Black Bush Polder, Minister Mustapha told residents that a private individual had expressed interest in establishing such a facility on the Corentyne Coast. The Minister also told residents that along with the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, he will be meeting with the individual to further discussions, with the hope of moving forward with establishing the processing plant.