Borno to boost fish and diary production

The Borno Government on Tuesday restated its commitment to boost fish production in the state and create job opportunities for youths.

Alhaji Umar Sandabe, Commissioner for Animal and Fisheries Development, told journalists on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

He said the ministry had trained scores of youths in fish farming with a view to boosting its production in the state.

Sandabe said that the state government had provided new facilities at the Fish Hatchery Complex to enhance favourable and suitable environment for the production of fish.

“We have hatchery machines capable of producing ten thousand fingerlings as well as seven concrete fish ponds, a bore hole and overhead tank as well as 18 fish ponds constructed to boost the production of table size fish for sell,” he said.

According to him, the state is a home of fish production, adding that fish hatcheries will be established across the state in order to maintain its position as a fish producing state in the country.

“This hatchery was acquired by Governor Kashim Shettima administration to produce fingerlings and table-sized fish for sale to the public at subsidised rate as more people are running away from beef to fish and vegetables nowadays,” he said.

According to the commissioner, plans are underway to also resuscitate the Maiduguri Dairy Plant, which has remained dormant for many years.

He said plans had also reached advanced stage to acquire more cows for the purpose of obtaining raw milk for the dairy plant, to boost the economy of the state.