The Lagos State Catfish Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN) has commended the state government for launching Phase II of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme.
Its chairman, Mr. Olatoye Fajimi, expressed the association’s gratitude during an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Lagos.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems recently announced the second phase of the programme, aimed at reducing food prices ahead of the festive season.
Fajimi said the subsidy would cut fish farmers’ operational costs by up to 70 per cent, ultimately lowering the price of catfish in the state.
He explained that feed accounts for about 75 per cent of farmers’ running costs, making the government intervention vital for the aquaculture sector.
He added that a farmer spending N2 million on a batch of fish would experience significant relief if the government covered 70 per cent of feed expenses.
According to Fajimi, the initiative will substantially reduce production costs, and the reduction will be reflected in market prices.
He noted, however, that the intervention may not reach all members but remains crucial in easing production costs across the sector.
“Although the quantity supplied is limited, it will still cushion part of the financial burden on farmers,” Fajimi said.
The programme will primarily benefit farmers using Blue Crown feed and whose stock can consume the feed sizes provided through the subsidy.
Fajimi revealed that LASCAFAN received several slots across distribution centres, including 65 slots of 12 bags each in Agege over five weeks.
He added that the Badagry centre provided 80 slots, while Mosan-Okunola offered another 80 slots, shared with local fish farmers.
The association is awaiting slot allocations for the Ikorodu, Epe, Ajah, and Ibeju-Lekki chapters, he added.
