KUNDUZ CITY (SW) – The fish farming industry in Kunduz province is facing a downturn, according to local farmers. They highlight a noticeable decline in both the production and sale of fish compared to previous years.
Azizullah, a fish farmer in Kunduz, says, “We breed different kinds of fish here, but the situation is dire. We have 5 to 10 varieties of fish here, selling from 150 to 1200 afghanis per kilogram. We need support to boost our spirits and increase fish production. Right now, no one cares about our troubles. No one buys from us.”
Likewise, fish sellers in Kunduz also demand the Islamic Emirate’s cooperation to improve the fish market.
Wazir Khan, a fish seller, said: “Our wish is that the government should cooperate with us, give the fish farmers fish food and so that the domestic fish production would increase.”
On the other hand, Mohammad, an expert in agriculture, says that the main reason for the decrease in fish market is the import of fish from other countries.
He adds: “Officials’ responsibility is to give technical advices to fish farmers, and refer them to support organizations and give them fish food. Provide farmers with anti-parasite and anti-viral medicines. It is the responsibility of the directorate of Agriculture to provide fish farming equipment.”
Meanwhile, officials at the Kunduz Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Directorate, emphasized that the fish production and sales market in this province is better than last year, and the fish farming industry has flourished.
Ahmad, the livestock manager at the directorate, said: “Along, with fish farmers who are actively engaged in this province, during the past year, the Kunduz agriculture directorate has cooperated with the support organization J to distribute around 770 kilograms of fish food to each of them. In addition, we distributed fishing nets, protective clothing that they use in winter, and machines.”
It is worth mentioning that due to the suitable climate for fish farming in Kunduz, this industry has been booming in recent years.
According to statistics from the Kunduz Agriculture Directorate, there are 400 fish farms in this province, with over hundreds of tons of fish being produced, providing jobs to many people in this industry.
