Food security: 140 fish farmers empowered in Sokoto

As part of moves to revive agriculture and diversify the economy, Sokoto state government has donated N20m worth of assorted fishery facilities and items to 140 fish farmers in Kware Local Government area of the state. Each of the beneficiaries was given one 2000-liter fish tank, 300 fish juveniles and nine bags of assorted feeds. […]

As part of moves to revive agriculture and diversify the economy, Sokoto state government has donated N20m worth of assorted fishery facilities and items to 140 fish farmers in Kware Local Government area of the state.
Each of the beneficiaries was given one 2000-liter fish tank, 300 fish juveniles and nine bags of assorted feeds.
Inaugurating the distribution of the items at Kware local government area, Governor Aminu Tambuwal expressed concern over what he described as alarming rate of food insecurity in the country.
He said: “Shortage of domestic fish supplies led to the heavy dependence on exports, and the emphasis on oil revenues had put Nigeria on the brink.”
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Bashir Garba, stated that the gesture of boosting capacity of farmers was aimed at diversifying the economy, reducing poverty and creating more employment opportunities to the people of the state.
He said Sokoto was endowed with water resources which if fully harnessed would boost fish production.
The governor however warned against abuse of the state’s water resources, adding that the state government would ensure laws were enacted to punish offenders.
He cautioned the beneficiaries against sale of the items, stressing the need for the recipients to judiciously use them.
Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Development, Alhaji Tukur Alkali said the ministry had taken measures to ensure the effective use of the items by the beneficiaries.
Alkali added that the beneficiaries were trained on modern fish farming practices and entrepreneurship skills and they would be linked with the Bank of Agriculture.
He also revealed that a proposal for a conditional grant scheme for married women fish farmers’ associations would  soon be introduced in the state.