Mahikeng - About four officials of the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development and one farmer are to jet off to the People's Republic of China to participate in the Mariculture Technology course hosted by the Chinese Government. The training starts on 15 May and ends on 12 August 2015. The National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries signed a cooperative agreement with the People's Republic of China and the agreement has a complementary Joint Working Group action plan for aquaculture activities.
Refilwe Mokgajane, Betty Matebesi, Dr Rapule Mphuti, William Oduetse and Kesolofetse Tabane have been identified to participate in the training course that is related to aquaculture. The group will spend the duration of the training being empowered on three major culture categories, namely Fish, Shrimp and Shellfish. They would also learn basic principles of Mariculture, practical farming techniques and culture patterns with Chinese characteristics, disease prevention and control, aquatic feed production technology and fisheries management.
When tabling her 2015/16 Budget MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development said the department plans to reposition Disaneng Village as a centre of excellence for aquaculture and recreational fisheries. MEC said Mariculture technology training comes at a time when the department is hard at work in its effort to revitalise aquaculture in the province. "We are proud to report our commitment to aquaculture and that at Disaneng Village we have completed the hatchery, processing unit, pools with installed pipes and the quarantine unit is course, she highlighted.
MEC Tlhape said like other farming sectors, the fisheries sectors has the potential to contribute to food security in the province, job creation, economic growth and rural development. "It is anticipated that 160 decent jobs will be created in inland fisheries, recreational fisheries and aquaculture in the province within the next three years," she said.
Kesolofetse Tabane who is a farmer and part of the team going to China has expressed her gratitude at the opportunity." It is not everyday that one would come across these types of empowerment opportunities," she remarked enthusiastically. Tabane belongs to Disaneng Aquaculture programme and said she will use the skills she will gain through the programme to improve project. The Disaneng Aquaculture programme started in 2001. It is comprised of eight full time members. It is concentrating on breeding catfish from automated breeding system, and then process and package for market.
Ms Thandiwe Moripe
Acting Director: Communication Services
Te: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
E-mail: tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
