Cost of feed: Abuja fish farmers explore production options

Fish farmers under the aegis of ‘Abuja and Its Environs Fish Farmers Association’ have met in Abuja to explore strategies for sustainable production in view of current high price challenges in the country.

The association comprises of farmers from Madalla, Mararaba, Keffi,  Akwanga and Kogi and  Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme focuses on the progress of fish breeding and how to unite fish farmers in and around Abuja and its environs to promote collective growth, prosperity and a strong voice in the industry and therefore address the challenges most farmers encounter in fishery.

Speaking during their congress in Abuja, the association’s Director of Research and Documentation, Mr Shedrach Osikome, urged members to be more focused to enable them to get into feed production by acquiring tents and collaborating with those who already have the equipment.

He said in order to manufacture feeds locally, they need to collaborate.

“We have the power; we have equipment in some places already. So it’s just for us to say, yes, we are ready to go into this project and we put together what is needed and we can get fish feed produced,” he said.

The Assistant Director of Research and Documentation, Mr Olayinka Able,  said through working together they could fund the feeds production initiative while contributing as a pool into the cooperative.

“The cooperative gets the commodity, engages the miller and produces the feed that the members need, this is a standard that we think is good for us. So once that is done, all you need to do is as a member of the cooperative is to present an identity card to the cooperative shop, and then place your order for whatever you need.

“The cooperative delivers to you on agreed terms, which will be determined when that project is in place. I must assure you that if we work at this efficiently and consciously, you will save cost to as much as 40% of your current cost of production for every cycle,” he said.