Tharaka Nithi County, February 2, 2024
In a bid to empower aquaculture farmers and enhance their profitability, Governor Muthomi Njuki has urged farmers in Tharaka Nithi County to embrace the local production of fish feeds.
The governor, addressing farmers during the distribution of aquaculture fish feeds at Mitheru Cereal Stores on Friday, emphasized the potential of the county as an agricultural hub capable of producing key raw materials like sunflower seeds, cassava, maize, and millet for fish feed production.
“As a government, we will support the local production of fish feeds to cut costs incurred when purchasing them from other areas across the country, while we have the capacity to replicate the same here,” Governor Njuki declared.
The governor further announced that the distribution of sunflower seeds would be incorporated into the next certified seeds distribution program in the county to boost local production. This strategic move aims to reduce dependency on external sources for raw materials.
To stimulate local market growth and consumption of fish products, Governor Njuki proposed an Open Day in collaboration with the departments of Youth and Culture and Health. The event aims to educate and inform residents on the benefits of consuming aquaculture products, addressing prevalent stereotypes and cultural barriers.
“We must teach our people how to consume fish products. Unless we change our lifestyle and stereotypes on these products, we will not change and adopt local consumption,” Governor Njuki emphasized.
In another initiative, the Governor proposed the establishment of a common market center for fish products at Chuka, providing farmers with a dedicated platform to sell their products directly to the county government. To strengthen marketing efforts, he also suggested the formation of cooperatives among fish farmers.
As part of the ongoing support for aquaculture, cool boxes, freezers, and fishing nets were distributed to farmers, particularly small aqua groups, across the county.
