FISH farmers in Cakaudrove can only supply 15 per cent of customer demand for tilapia and maleya species.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, this 15 per cent is equivalent to 1.6tonnes out of the 200 tonnes of tilapia and maleya fish in demand in Cakaudrove.
Demand for such species of fish stands at around 200 tonnes to feed 10,000 people in the province.
Divisional Fisheries officer Northern Joji Vakawaletabua said there was a lot of potential in this commodity.
“There is a very high demand for farmed fish not only in Cakaudrove Province but there may be similar demand in other provinces,” he said.
“So we are also reaching out to rural communities and have started working with women’s and youth groups to start their fish pond projects.
“This will help fund their groups as they can sell bundles of tilapia and maleya which are in demand.”
Mr Vakawaletabua said these projects would help cater the changing weather patterns which have resulted in flooding of rivers in rural areas.
“Most of these villagers depend on the river for their food such as prawns, fish and eels but when the river is flooded, they can’t get any food from it,” he said.
“So having their own fish ponds would supplement their supply during rainy days.
“The interest from communities for this project has also increased.”
