Eubaldus Enahoro The Director, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Edo State, Mr Friday Ehimare said that the state government has empowered 449 fish farmers across the state since 2018.
Ehimare disclosed this in Ekehuan village, Ovia North East Local government Area of the state during the department’s sensitisation campaign against illegal fishery practices.
Ehimare said that the campaign had become necessary following the continuous use of harmful chemicals in aqua-culture.
According to him, the state government in its bid to boost protein intake of its populace, create jobs and income, had created fish cluster farming empowerment under the commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).
“A total of eight cluster made up of 449 fish farmers have so far been empowered.
“The campaign is essentially to discourage fish farmers against the use of chemicals in aquatic ecosystem and to educate them on the best and acceptable practices.
“The use of chemical, such as gammalin 20, DDT among others, when introduced into water, kills every living thing in the water.
“Some common fish species such as gold fish, butterfly fish, other organisms like turtle, snails and crabs are rarely found in the water due to continuous use of harmful chemicals,” he said.
He disclosed that the chemical residue in fish muscle is also dangerous to fish consumers and as well reduces income; so, we will continue to educate them.”
Ehimare thanked the governor for approving funding of the campaign
Chairman of fish farmers in the community, Mr Faith Eyituoyor in his remarks, thanked the Ministry for the education and promised to adhere to the aqua-culture best practices.
You must log in to post a comment.