Olam to introduce sea fish specie

The Federal Government has welcomed the plan by Olam International to introduce Barramundi cultured fish (Sea Bass) to Nigeria. Sea Bass is a common name for a variety of different species of marine fish of which Barramundi is one. According to organicsfact, “Barramundi has a number of impressive health benefits, including its ability to help […]

The Federal Government has welcomed the plan by Olam International to introduce Barramundi cultured fish (Sea Bass) to Nigeria.

Sea Bass is a common name for a variety of different species of marine fish of which Barramundi is one.

According to organicsfact, “Barramundi has a number of impressive health benefits, including its ability to help lose weight, prevent certain cancers, balance cholesterol levels, prevent diabetes, ensure growth and repair, improve eye health, and strengthen bones.”

The Federal Government has pledged to embrace the initiative through partnership with the group as a way of boosting local fish production.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said this in Abuja during a presentation on the prospect of introducing marine-culture fish into Nigeria by a delegation of Crown Flour Mills and Animal Feeds Production – a subsidiary of Olam International Ltd.

While commending Olam for producing quality feeds, Lokpobiri identified high cost of feeds as the greatest challenge facing fish growers.

He, therefore, called on the private sector to embrace transfer of the new technology as this would ultimately lead to increase in local production.

The delegation which was led by the Vice President of Animal Feeds and Protein (AFP), Mr. Asish Pendeh, included  Prof. Matthew Tan, a consultant working in the field with private fish farmers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Mr. Pandeh observed that embracing culturing of Sea Bassa in the country would bring many advantages such as good yield, higher productivity, reasonable returns on investment, as well as transfer of relevant technology.

He noted that Nigeria had abundant land, coastline and water bodies suitable for commercial purposes.