FISH PRODUCTION VILLAGES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ANAMBRA STATE

Reporter : UCHE NDEKE –

The   Anambra State Government is to establish fish production villages in the three senatorial zones of the state. When operational, the centres are projected to be collectively producing about 300,000 to 450,000 kilograms of fish per month as addition to the existing production volume.

The managing Director, Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu gave the hint in an interview with our correspondent in Awka. According to him, the centres which will be located in Aguleri, Adazi-nnukwu and Okija will be able to serve as off takers for Fingerlings as well as carry out other activities associated with fish production.

He said the initiation will not only help in closing the fish consumption gap in the area but also create associated businesses and corresponding employment for young people who would be trained and empowered by the government. Mr Iloghalu regretted that the covid-19 pandemic had adversary affected the fisheries and aquaculture sector but however noted that the agency  was coming up with innovative and creative approaches that would strengthen the fish producers across the state value chain in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the covid-19 pandemic has affected different aspects of the agricultural and food production in various ways affecting the prices of fish and scarcity of some species in the market.