By Our Correspondent
Three experts in aquaculture sub-sector have called for intervention of the Federal Government to enhance its growth and productivity.
They spoke in separate interviews with the newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Mr Bashir Amin, a fishmonger and consultant, said the two new ministries – Ministriers of Agriculture, and Marine and Blue Economy, could collaborate to grow aquaculture.
“With the marine and blue economy on board, the ministry will help reposition the fisheries and aquaculture sector for growth.
“Both inland and marine fisheries and aquaculture will take a good turn with the impact of the marine and blue economy.
“This will help for rapid development of the sector because things will be better streamlined than before.
“It will also aid rapid development of the aquaculture sector,” Amin said.
Also, Dr Chuks Ekeledo, a fisheries consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Magnificat Fisheries said they should propel the sector for growth.
“The passion the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has for aquaculture will propel its impact on the sector.
Read Related News:
FCT empowers 2,000 fish farmers with inputs
Anchor Borrower: CBN records 52% repayment
“For now, we will watch the two ministries to see how they can influence the sector.
“We have observed that fisheries and aquaculture are on item 16 on the agenda of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
“What is apportioned to aquaculture is not up to two pages in the agenda document.
“This implies the limitation where the ministry will function in terms of fisheries and aquaculture.
“But the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has a whole department for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Also Read:
FG, ODSG seek more collaboration on agriculture
Mozambique’s fisheries production hits 218,000 tons in H1
“Blue economy on its own is so wide that aquaculture and fisheries is just a spec,” Ekeledo said.
Similarly, Mrs Kemi Egbucha, a fish farmer and Chief Executive Officer of AZ Animal Feeds, said the sector needs urgent intervention to survive current hardships.
“Due to rising cost of fish feed, the aquaculture sector needs the right propeller to thrive.
“We hope both ministries will come to the aid of fish farmers. Many fish farmers are opting out of the sector for several reasons. Hence, the ministries need to come to our aid.
“If they could provide inputs like some fingerlings and juveniles, it would help cushion the plights of the farmers,” Egbucha said.
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
