Fresh water fish farming has now become one of the main protein sources for the people of the Highlands region with more farmers switching from piggery and poultry to freshwater fish farming.
Not only is freshwater fish becoming a number one source of protein but also number one source of income for many farmers now.
Farmer and Owner for Tower Fish Hatchery Mr. Jacob Towa highlighted the progression in an interview with PNG Haus Bung, stating that the number of Fresh water fish farms has grown over the years to about 600 freshwater fish farms all across the Highlands Region, with about 7 Hatcheries currently operating and supplying fingerlings to these farms.
“I started fish farming in 2019 and over the years I have grown, and with my hatchery business now, I am currently providing technical support and fish farming training to individuals across Highlands’ region, West Sepik and even in Wewak.”
Mr. Towa also highlighted that part of his technical training to local farmers he has now reached out to schools to help schools teach freshwater fish farming to agriculture students as well as helping schools set up their own fishponds.
“I have helped Pablum Secondary school and Toguba Secondary school in Mt Hagen province by providing theory and hands on practical training for them, and I’m helping them to setup their own ponds”.
“I have extended my assistance to schools outside of Mt Hagen/Western Highlands Province and Kuli High in Jiwaka is another school I have trained and assisted”.
Towa further added also that he is willing and will make time available to train any secondary schools, or colleges or technical institutions who want to get freshwater fish farming training and to set up fishponds in their schools.
“Fish farming is food security too for schools especially boarding schools, and it will be very nice to set up fishponds in all schools, thus it will help cut down cost on protein plus if the school sells, then they make extra funds to support school operations.”
Fresh water fish farming is a brilliant project and if any school is interested than he can be contacted via his face book account “Towa Fish Breeding”.
