The National President Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Dr Momoh Mustapha, has urged fish farmers to acquire training in aquaculture.
Mustapha said this in an interview in Abuja on Sunday.
The president said that knowledge always gives an edge no matter the challenge.
”As the popular saying goes, Knowledge is Power. Everyone involved in the business of aquaculture and fisheries including myself must go for facts finding,” Mustapha said.
He said that aquaculture, which is domestic culture of fish is the most appropriate recommendation in fish farming.
Mustapha added that fish farmers should be encouraged and trained on how to recycle their effluent waters from farms before discharging to the environment.
“More trainers and training of farmers is key and government should assist private individuals who want to go into feed production,” he said.
Mustapha said that there are so many challenges in fisheries and aquaculture.
He advocated improved technology, automated aquaculture systems, organic fish farming and the ability to access financial support in form of grants and loans.
Mustapha said that the challenges could be addressed by sponsoring and supporting farmers for both local and international trainings.
The president advised that researches be done by institutions into various species of fish and with the best technology in collaboration with financial institutions to enable farmers obtain international certification.
He said that the high cost of fish feeds is one of the greatest challenges at the moment.
Mustapha urged the government to make fishery equipment, chemicals, and related items, duty free.
He appealed that preservation, cold rooms and modern smoking facilities be introduced.
Mustapha cited an example with Norway that exports stock fish because the government assisted with modernised equipment to dry the fish adding that the machine could stay years without going faulty.
The president further appealed to the Federal Government to buy into the restoration agenda.
