The Ekiti State Government is making concerted efforts towards developing aquaculture production platforms that will transform subsistence low productivity fish farming into modernised and technological driven operations to provide massive job and wealth creation in the state.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi made this known at the flag off of the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) for Agriculture farmers in Ado-Ekiti.
The Governor, who noted that fish which constitutes about 41% of total animal protein intake by average Nigerian remains an important component of human food consumption.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi, the State helmsman bemoaned a situation where most of fish products consumed in Nigeria are imported from other countries.
He noted that a massive capacity building process is being mounted in the state to improve the knowledge base of fish farmers, saying youths in the state have already keyed into the programme as they have been able to raise over 60,000 juvenile fish into table – sized products.
He called on donors and the private sector to partner with the state government to transform the fishery sector of Agriculture in order to ensure efficiency and increase in the production of fish products.
In his good will message, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina disclosed that fish farming is a business venture with lots of potential investment opportunities and a veritable tool for increased fish production, poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister who was represented by Federal Director, fishery Department, Mrs. Foluke Areola emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is promoting increased fish production through the agriculture value chains, the artisanal value chain and the shrimp value chain.
The value chains according to him are to create an enabling environment for an increase and sustainable production of over one million metric tons of aquaculture fish in 4 years.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Babajide Arowosafe expressed optimism that in the next six months, the State will be leading producers of fish products, considering the support being accorded the sector by the State government.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of 500 fingerlings, five bags of feeds among other incentives to the fish farmers. The fish farmers appreciate the Federal and the State governments for the gesture, saying it will go a long way to improve fish production in the state and the country at large.
Last modified: September 3, 2013
