Delta upbeat of increasing fish production

…records 24,413 metric tonnes in 2016

Following successes recorded in fish production in the 2016 fiscal year, Delta state government has expressed determination to export processed fish to other states in the country and overseas from the state.

BusinessDay reports that the annual fish production in the state had risen to 24,413 metric tonnes in 2016 from 15,273 metric tonnes in year 2008.

Austin Chikezie, commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources made the disclosure during a recent ministerial press briefing to highlights the achievements of the ministry from May 29, 2015 to November 28, 2016.

Chikezie said the state government investment in aquaculture had made prices of cat-fish remained relatively cheap in the face of the rising prices of foodstuff in the state.

He also disclosed that the sum of N45.204 million was approved for the renovation, reactivation and equipping of the ongoing Warri Fisheries Laboratory which will serve to ensure quality fish production as well as the development of two fish clusters at Ewulu in Aniocha South and Mbiri in Ika North- East local government areas respectively.

According to him, over the years, the state government intervention in the fisheries subsector specifically aquaculture has yielded wonderful results such that cat-fish has remained relatively cheap in the face of the rising prices of food stuff in the state.

The commissioner who added that over 5000 youths have engaged themselves in aquaculture, in cluster fish farms managed by cooperative societies across the state pointed out that fish value chain in production, processing, packaging and marketing was being vigorously pursued by the state government.