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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 30303, member: 2262"] Since last August, the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme has handed out more than 2 million free baby Nile tilapia fish across Zimbabwe. At this rate, they'll probably hit their 2.2 million goal before May rolls around. Fish farmers typically add new fish during warmer months, starting in August, but stop when winter cools things down in early May. Experts consider tilapia the best fish for growing in a small space. This program helps boost food production, reduces hunger, and creates jobs, especially for rural families. Officials approved 1,220 dams for raising these fish. The benefits reach irrigation groups, youth organizations, schools, villages, and individual fish farmers who sign up. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization jumped in to help teach local people sustainable fish farming methods in both ponds and dams. Davis Marapira from the agriculture department told reporters the fish distribution continues smoothly across all provinces. He explained that the President wants every citizen to have enough nutritious food without depending on charity. Instead, they should make money themselves. The government aims to transform rural areas into productive centers through projects like this fish program. Milton Makumbe, who runs the Fisheries Department, shared some numbers during recent talks about new fishing laws in Kariba. His team distributed exactly 2,067,550 baby fish since January. They're working fast to stock as many dams and ponds as possible before temperatures drop in May. Officials believe this fish industry could eventually generate a billion dollars for Zimbabwe's economy. Each province received thousands of fingerlings for their dams. Mashonaland Central got 160,000 baby fish, Mashonaland East received 55,000, and Mashonaland West added 90,000. Matabeleland North farmers welcomed 77,000 new swimmers, Masvingo waters gained 105,000, and Midlands dams accepted 145,000 fingerlings. Just last week, Matabeleland South received 4,000 more fish to raise. The pond stocking program shows similar progress across regions. Masvingo filled 41 ponds with 153,000 fingerlings. Midlands stocked 59 ponds with 238,500 baby fish. Matabeleland North added 70,500 fingerlings to 57 ponds. Matabeleland South placed 43,200 tiny fish into 39 ponds. Even the urban Harare Metropolitan area created 182 fish ponds holding 172,000 fingerlings. [/QUOTE]

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