The Ogun Government on Friday distributed modern fish smoking kilns to fish farmers in rural communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Taiwo Oludotun, said the empowerment was part of efforts to boost fish business and ease the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish farming production value-chain.
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Speaking while distributing the equipment to some beneficiaries in Abeokuta, Oludotun explained that about 1,000 fish farmers would benefit from the initiative,
He said that 30 units of the device would be shared among the fish farmers’ cooperative groups, whose members had been trained by the state government.
The commissioner said the state government embarked on the project to empower fish farmers, urging the beneficiaries not to sell the kilns but could lend them out to other farmers.
“We all know that fish is a perishable product and the essence of providing this fish smoking kilns is for us to preserve our fish and possibly empower our people in the rural areas.
“I urge all beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the kilns and allow others to benefit from it,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Adekunle Oyesanwan, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for the opportunity given to the agency to empower the fish farmers cooperative.
Oyesanwan said the gesture would go a long way in enhancing the economic base of the beneficiaries.
In her goodwill message, the Director of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Victoria Ojelade, called on interested farmers to register their farm organizations with the ministry for a similar opportunity.
Ojelade noted that only recognized groups would benefit from the government’s program.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Yetunde Akinsowon and Mr. Talabi Adewunmi, described the distribution of the kilns as `a good development’.
They noted that the gesture would enhance the business and living standard of their members.