Bauchi State Empowers women with fish farming skills

No fewer than 200 women have benefitted from a training in fish farming organized by the Bauchi state Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP).

BSADP organized the training in collaboration with the Women in Trade and Agriculture Cooperative Society.

The Programme Manager of BSADP, Mr Ya’u Muhammad, gave the figure at the training on Saturday in Bauchi state.

According to Muhammad, the state government had taken significant steps toward empowering women and boosting fish production.

He said that the training focused on practical techniques to improve fish farming.

“This initiative aims at diversifying agricultural practices in response to challenges faced in poultry production.

“With the prices of day-old chicks, drugs and feeds skyrocketing, many farmers, especially women, are migrating to fish production as a more sustainable option.

“The prices of these day-old chicks, drugs and feeds, have skyrocketed, making poultry farming less viable for many farmers, especially women,” Muhammad said.

He said that some of the key elements of fish farming included choosing the right location for farming and identifying suitable water sources.

“We must also strive to select the right fish species for farming, prepare nutritious feed for the fish as well as maintain accurate records.

“We must also look at how to combine fish farming with other agricultural practices,” he said.

Muhammad also emphasized the need for effective processing and marketing of fish products.

Dr Adamu Fada, a retired Director of Agricultural Technical Services at BSADP, emphasised the need for practical application of knowledge acquired.

He urged participants to seek assistance from extension agents in tackling challenges.

“The knowledge gained here should be put into practice to achieve tangible results.

“Where challenges arise, they should consult extension agents or visit the BSADP for guidance,” he said.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi