Communities in Senior Chief Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay District have commended Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division (Mzadd) for stocking Linga Dam with 200 000 fingerlings.

Speaking on Saturday after Mzadd stocked the fingerlings under the ministry, Thomas Manda, a farmer, said fish farming was a profitable business.

“The dam now has multi-purpose functions. Besides providing farmers with water for irrigation activities it will now be home to fish which will boost our livelihoods,” she said.

Mzadd officials stocking fingerlings in Linga Dam in Nkhata Bay

Mzadd chief irrigation officer Tinkho Msimuko Mpezeni said Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi initiated the exercise on January 24 2024.

He said: “The minister led his team in stocking 130 000 fingerlings in January out of the targeted 200 000. I am pleased to say that we have finished the 70 000 fingerings.

“The stocking of the fingerings will provide an alternative source of income to the communities surrounding the dam instead of relying on charcoal for survival.”

Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre manager David Mbamba, who is also zone manager for Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management Project, said the country has high demand for fish due to rising population.

“The cheapest source of proteins in Malawi is fish and with the increase in population, it is hard to meet the demand. As such we want to make use of all small water bodies by restocking fish which will increase production,” he said.

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