News in brief:
– Kwara State has pledged to support fish farmers with affordable feed, environmental training, and youth-focused initiatives.
– It is launching a new hatchery and leveraging private-sector partnerships to improve the industry’s sustainability and profitability globally.
During this year’s World Fisheries Day celebrations, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reassured fish farmers of his administration’s support to grow the sector. Speaking at an event hosted by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Governor outlined plans to strengthen fish farming as a way to improve food security, boost nutrition, and create more jobs for the people of Kwara.
Fish farming has become a lifeline for many in Kwara State, especially for young people looking for opportunities. Governor AbdulRazaq stressed how important it is to improve the industry.
“We want Kwara to stand out as a state that prioritises nutrition and takes meaningful steps to ensure sustainable growth,” he said. Beyond job creation, fish farming is also central to meeting the state’s food and nutrition needs.
Tackling the rising cost of feed
One of the biggest challenges farmers face today is the skyrocketing price of fish feed. To address this, the Governor mentioned ongoing collaborations with universities, private companies, and other stakeholders to find cheaper, locally sourced feed options. Reducing these costs, he explained, will make fish farming more profitable for farmers and sustainable in the long run.
Governor AbdulRazaq also called on young people to see fish farming as more than just a traditional trade. He encouraged them to explore its many value chains, from production to packaging and marketing, as a viable business option.
“We want to make fish farming exciting and profitable for the youth,” he added, signalling a commitment to making the sector more appealing to future generations.
Addressing economic and environmental challenges
Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, acknowledged the financial difficulties that many farmers are grappling with—particularly when it comes to feed costs. He expressed hope that the government’s interventions would breathe new life into the sector and bring more people back into fish farming.
Mrs. Funke Sokoya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, shed light on the environmental issues fish farmers are facing, including climate change and aquatic ecosystem management. She explained how these challenges threaten production but assured attendees that the government is working on solutions, such as better resource management and training for farmers.
Brand new hatchery
As part of the day’s celebrations, the government presented a brand-new hatchery to the Ministry’s Fisheries Department. This gift, which many see as a significant boost for the industry, reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers. The event also brought together government officials, academics, and stakeholders, including representatives from the Kwara Fish Breeders Association and the Fisheries Society of Nigeria.
The challenges highlighted during the event—like high feed costs and the impact of climate change—mirror what fish farmers are experiencing globally. The Governor’s initiatives serve as a reminder that sustainable fisheries are essential not just for Kwara but for addressing global issues like food insecurity and unemployment.
