FG distributes 500 juvenile fish to Benue farmers

A beneficiary, Peter Pendan commended the federal government for the laudable initiative, saying that the gesture would spur him to expand his business and make more money.He said before now, some fish farmers in the state were skeptical about the initiative, adding that they have now embraced the scheme.Similarly, another beneficiary, Christopher Bier, expressed joy […]

A beneficiary, Peter Pendan commended the federal government for the laudable initiative, saying that the gesture would spur him to expand his business and make more money.
He said before now, some fish farmers in the state were skeptical about the initiative, adding that they have now embraced the scheme.
Similarly, another beneficiary, Christopher Bier, expressed joy that the juvenile fish and feeds given to him at subsidised rate would not only motivate him to embrace the scheme but will enhance his financial standing.
For many other fish farmers as well, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has in no small measure put smiles on their faces with the distribution of the 500 juveniles fish and 50 percent subsidised fish feeds of 15 kilogrammes at N12,500 to boost production in the state.
The Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who flagged of the distribution in Makurdi to registered Benue farmers under the GES noted that the ill result of the 2012 flood no doubt affected the scarce protein source of Benue people and the country at large, hence the need to replace the loss nutrient.
Represented by the state Director of Agriculture, Dr. Godwin Obute Garba, the minister explained that the federal government has a compensation program for fish folks who lost their stock and farm equipments as a result of the devastating flood.
He also mentioned that apart from the subsidised gesture, plans are underway to train and to offer expert services to fish farmers on the best management practices that will enhance increase productivity.
The minister maintained that one of the fundamental thoughts in the federal government’s agriculture transformation agenda for fish farmers in Nigeria is meant to encourage farmers to see fish farming as a business so as to boost their income and also help the country’s expert drive a shift from mere subsistence farming to real agriculture as a business.
In his remarks, the state commissioner for Agriculture, Donald Gbugho called on individuals and corporate organizations to join hands in the promotion of agriculture in the state in order to sustain its status as the nation’s food basket.
Gbugho encouraged the farmers not to relent, adding that fishery provides income for farmers, state and local government councils.
The commissioner who was represented by his Director of Fishery, Alex Chorkon advised beneficiaries to make the best use of the facility and warned them not to put the items on sale.