The government has launched an initiative to boost food and nutrition security in the country by providing materials to fish farmers and equipment for extension officers under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ADBP).
The Principal Secretary (PS) State Department of Fisheries, Aquiculture and the Blue Economy Dr. Francis Owino said the initiative covers 15 counties.
“Tharaka Nithi is fortunate to be the first county where the launch has taken place and being blessed with numerous water sources, we expect the county to play a crucial role in creating the culture of fish eating in this region,” said the PS
Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives during the official launch and handing over of materials to fish farmers and equipment for extension officers, Owino said the government is committed to food and nutrition security as part of the President’s Big Four Agenda.
The PS disclosed that fish production supports over one million people in the farming, marketing, and distribution accessories besides the direct employment of extension officers.
“Tharaka Nithi County is among the fifteen counties that are implementing, ADBP programme aimed at transforming the fishing industry from subsistence to commercial level,” said Owino.
He hailed the cooperation between the National Government, the County government and the political leadership in the area.
Speaking during the event the Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner, Ms Beverly Opwora called on the PS to continue bringing more materials and equipment to the county.
“We call upon you to remember us when more materials and equipment are rolled out into the counties,” said the CC.
She said Tharaka Nithi has been marking the World Fisheries Day on November 21 since the introduction of fish farming in the county and therefore making milestones in creating a fish eating culture among its residents.
Opwora further disclosed that fish farming in the lower parts of Tharaka Nithi County is being embraced as a source of food and income and the completion of the construction of the Ena-Meru highway has opened the area to the other parts of the country.
By David Mutwiri
