BY; HAUWA ADAMU KIDAH, Kaduna
Kaduna Fish Farmers Association has called on the state government to assist its members with incentives and other necessary supports for increased and quality production to meet nutritional and protein needs of consumers.
The fish famers decried rising cost of feeds and other basic implements for the production of one of the known sources of protein in the country which they said had pushed many out of business, resulting in high cost of the product in the market and denying several households access to the essential produce.
Vice Chairman of the association, Michael Sabastine, in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna, also harped on the need for young graduates to embrace fish farming as a vocation, saying it would go a long way in reducing overdependence on government job and curb societal ills caused by unemployment.
“Fish farming is very lucrative and financially rewarding, thus should be embraced by our young men and women who are out of school so they will be engaged on productive venture that would keep them away from idleness.
“Government can support us to make the business attractive to young school leavers which I believe will assist in creating job opportunities and checkmating insecurity in the process.
“It is a skillful and respectful venture that can keep one engaged and productive in the context of productivity,” he maintained.
Earlier in his remarks, Ejike Ude, Chairman of the association lamented desertion of farmland due to activities of bandits, saying the sad development had negatively impacted on food production.
He advocated government input in farming business in areas of provision of loan incentives so actors in the vocation can have value for their effort and remain in the field for the good and progress of the state.
He however, commended the present administration in the state for making progress and positive impacts in some key sectors across the state.
“Farmers who could not access their farmlands have now turned to fish farming because it could practiced at home.
“In the light of the above, it is imperative for governments to encourage us by making cheap and affordable feeds, seedlings and other vital needs of fish farming so we can assist in economic growth and development of our dear state,” he appealed.
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