Food security: Ogun govt moves to revamp fish farm settlements

Ogun state government says it has begun moves to revamp all fish farm settlements across the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Bolu Owootomo disclosed this shortly after a tour of some fish farm clusters in the Ijebu, Ikenne and Ilashe areas of Ogun state.

Owootomo said the government is genuinely engaging fish farmers to address food security in the state. 

He said the state government is committed to increasing the production capacity of fish farmers while looking critically at some of their challenges.

“Fish farming is one of the ways we are using to address the issue of food security and also end hunger in our state. Most fish farmers built their ponds in areas prone to flood, we working with the Ministry of Environment so that they can perhaps dredge those rivers close to the fish clusters. We will also work with them to decongest the gutter and channels.

“We want to appeal to our farmers to build their ponds in areas not prone to flood. We have been engaging the private sector as Ogun remains the largest producer of fish in Nigeria. We will also look at how to link our farmers to single loan opportunities to enhance their business and improve their livelihood”, Owootomo said.

ALSO READ: Ogun assures residents of improved water supply

The commissioner further said under his watch the fish farming sector will help open up the economy for job creation as well as address the challenge of hunger and unemployment. 

“We have been training our farmers to ensure standard practices and procedures. The State governor, Dapo Abiodun have approved 50million zero interest loan to a cluster of about 600 farmers”, the commissioner added.

Some of the fish farm clusters who spoke during the visit said some of the challenges confronting fish farmers include access to soft loans, and bad road networks amongst others.

Adetona Johnson said the visit of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture is an indication that the government is committed to fixing their challenges. 

“We are happy to see government coming to our aid, the government have been trying before now but this initiative will go a long way.”

On his part, Onakan Adewale said the security of their investment should be a priority.

He urged the government to help in dredging and a good road network.