Bamyan Sees Growth in Fish Farming, Farmers Seek More Support

The fish farming industry has expanded significantly in Bamyan, according to local officials, who say the number of fish farms in the province has increased from five to 25, reflecting growing investor interest in the sector.

Officials say fish farming is continuing to grow in Bamyan due to its favorable climate and abundant water resources.

Noorzai Aminzada, head of Bamyan’s Department of Industry and Commerce, said: “Bamyan has a suitable climate for fish farming, and investors are increasingly interested in investing in this sector. Since the Islamic Emirate returned to power, 25 fish farms have begun operating.”

Meanwhile, some fish farm owners say the rising cost of fish feed has negatively affected production and exports.

Fish farmer Ghulam Akbar said: “We ask the relevant authorities to support fish farmers. The conditions should be created for producing fish feed domestically. This would encourage farm owners to increase production.”

Another fish farmer, Jurat, said: “Fish feed is very expensive and difficult to obtain. The government should provide more support so that we can increase exports.”

Ghulam Akbar, who has invested about $700,000 to establish two fish farms in Bamyan city and Kahmard district, said the farms raise three species of cold-water fish. He added that, for the first time, they have also begun breeding and producing fish fingerlings at their farms.

He said he is satisfied with the business and encouraged other investors to enter the sector.

Ghulam Akbar told : “Provinces with cold climates provide the best environment for fish farming. If wealthy Afghans invest in this sector, it will be highly profitable and help make the country self-sufficient in fish production.”

Although Bamyan has abundant water resources and a favorable climate for fish farming, fish farmers say the shortage of fish feed and limited breeding facilities remain major challenges facing the industry.