Fish farmers in Niger State have been called upon to embrace modern innovations in fish production and processing for increased productivity in fish value chain.
The call was made by the Commissioner of Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Haruna Nuhu Dukku during the official commissioning ceremony of Fish Processing Centre in Tatabu Community of Mokwa Local Government Area of the State recently.
Hon. Haruna Nuhu Dukku while unveiling the Centre described fish farming as a lucrative business that has provided a huge source of livelihood to the good people of the state emphasizing that the State Government under the supervision of Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is poised to exploring more areas of partnership with the Federal Government and other development partners to boost fish production in state.
He said “Agriculture remains the only reliable and guaranteed means of sustainance of our economy as against the oil sector which is dwindling. The administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has prioritise agriculture particularly Livestock and Fisheries Production. Fisheries are an integral part of agricultural sector in Niger State which forms part of Nigeria’s steady annual contribution of 3.5 to 4 percent to total GDP over the last decade. We must empower our people with modern means of production”
Earlier, the Executive Director of Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI); a Parastatal in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Patricia Pessu said the institute selected Tatabu Community for the project in recognition of its status as a major fish processing community in the region.
She expressed optimism that the smoking fish facility would boost the entrepreneurship and the financial security and well-being of the entire Fisheries value chain in Tatabu and beyond.
In the same vein, the Tatabu Community Head, Capt. Isah Ndagana (rtd) appreciated the government for the recognition accorded to the Community and assured of the judicious utilisation of the centre.
The Fish Processing Centre which can be powered by charcoal, electricity and gas comprises of nine number smoking kilns which has the capacity to dry 2500 kilograms of fresh fish to produce an output of at least 500 kilograms of dry products daily.
