Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has said the County Directorate of Fisheries is reclaiming wetlands to pave the way for fish farming.
Dr. Ottichilo stated that they want to increase fish production to provide raw material for the upcoming County Industrial and Aggregation Park (CIAP) at Luanda township, in Luanda sub-county.
The Governor believes fish processing would spur industrial development in the County and raise revenue collection.
He said this after a delegation from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the State Department for Fisheries and Blue Economy paid him a courtesy call.
He added that the county is reviving the Mwitoko fingerlings hatchery in Wemilabi location, Luanda sub-county to provide adequate and affordable fingerlings for the residents.
The Country Deputy Director of the Agricultural Business Development Project (ABDP) Dr. Isaac Wamalwa, who led the delegation, said they would provide fingerlings, train, and provide market linkages for the farmers.
Dr. Wamalwa said IFAD, through the ABDP, has been promoting aquaculture in 15 other counties and Vihiga has become the latest to be brought on board.
He explained that under the ABDP, they want to enable the people to take advantage of the wide market for fish products locally and nationally.
By Sammy Mwibanda
