Farmers Seek Enabling Environment to Boost Productivity
Local fish farmers in Nigeria have called for adequate implementation of policies and provision of an enabling environment for the sector’s growth and development.
They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in commemoration of the World Fisheries Day on Tuesday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually on November 21 to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries management.
The President of the Fisheries Association of Nigeria, FISON, Akwa Ibom chapter, Mr Okon Amah, said the government must create an enabling environment for fish farmers as well as implementation of friendly policies.
“It is an opportunity to draw attention to the crucial role of small-scale fishers in ensuring food security for millions around the world.
“November 21 has been set aside to celebrate the importance of fisheries to the general society.
“We also take it as a day to celebrate ourselves as fish farmers and brokers. It is a day where we discuss different perspectives, our challenges and our recommendations as fish farmers.
“Fish farmers nationwide are under the radar. They are not given their due recognition in spite of their high contribution to the country.
“We have the challenge of government policies not being implemented.
“The government is pivotal in the provision of an enabling environment for fish farmers and enforces sound policies for the sector.
“We are using this day to appeal to the government, stakeholders, and fish farmers to work together as a team to boost the sector’s productivity,” Amah said.
He appealed to Nigerians to consume more fish because of its nutritional value and health benefits.
Mash also encouraged the promotion of sustainable fishing practice and the provision of inputs for farmers and not palliatives.
Value Addition
On his part, Alhaji Bashir Owolabi, a research aquaculture expert and founder, Aquabashy Fisheries Foundation, Kwara State, said the value addition to local aquaculture would boost productivity.
“We celebrate World Fisheries Day globally and it is one of the ways of showcasing our fishery resources.
“Our major challenge in the sector is post-harvest losses. Hence, we need the government to come to our aid in terms of value addition.
“We seek opportunities where we can have fresh fish all year round with the provision of preservation facilities such as blast freezers,” Owolabi added.
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq
