By Bukola Adewumi
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), has highlighted the potential of catfish consumption to combat malnutrition in Nigeria.
The D-G said this during the training of catfish farmers on the state of research on the genetics of African catfish in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by Mrs Rose Gidado, Director of Agriculture at NABDA, he emphasised the agency’s commitment to research and development in agriculture, health, environment, and industry for economic growth.
“We can curb malnutrition through catfish because it is highly proteinous and cholesterol-free.”
He encouraged catfish farmers, gathered from various parts of the country, to expand their farming efforts, citing the economic promise it holds.
Addressing reported losses by farmers, the workshop aimed to equip trainees with knowledge to improve catfish farming practices.
Mustapha expressed the agency’s dedication to collaborating for the development of the agriculture sector.
Dr Suleiman Isa, speaking on “Catfish genetics and improving catfish hatchery and seed supply,” disclosed that Nigeria’s catfish production currently stands at almost 300,000 tons.
He urged trainees to apply the acquired knowledge to enhance catfish farming nationwide.
One trainee, Mr Musa Abdullahi from Kaduna State, commended the organisers for the valuable training, foreseeing its positive impact on his work.
Another participant, Mrs Kate Davies, a catfish farmer, described the workshop as an eye-opener that would boost her productivity in the fish farming business.
The training, attended by both male and female participants from diverse regions, signifies a concerted effort to promote sustainable agriculture and combat malnutrition in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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