The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, has emphasized that the consumption of catfish can effectively address the issue of malnutrition in the country.
Professor Mustapha made this statement during a training session for catfish farmers on the state of research on the genetics of African catfish in Abuja.
He highlighted that the agency has a mandate for research and development, and the funding for this project was provided by Innovate UK as part of the GCRF AgriFood Africa program, implemented by the University of Stirling and Spring Continental Harvest Ltd.
Represented by the Director in charge of agriculture at NABDA, Mrs. Rose Gidado, Mustapha mentioned, “We can curb malnutrition through catfish because it is highly proteinous and cholesterol-free.”
Additionally, the NABDA boss emphasized the promising future of catfish farming, stating that it holds great potential for farmers and can contribute to economic growth.
The trainees, who came from various parts of the country, were encouraged not to relent in their efforts to expand their catfish farming ventures.
Mustapha acknowledged reported cases of losses by farmers and highlighted that workshops like this one are instrumental in addressing such issues.
He also pledged that the agency would collaborate to ensure the overall development of the agriculture sector in the country.
Dr. Suleiman Isa, addressing the topic of “Catfish genetics and improving catfish hatchery and seed supply,” mentioned that Nigeria’s catfish production currently stands at almost 300,000 tons. He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge acquired to improve catfish farming in the country.
Musa Abdullahi, a trainee from Kaduna State, commended the organizers for the training, stating that it would help him enhance his job.
Mrs. Kate Davies, a catfish farmer, expressed that the training was an eye-opener and would further boost her productivity in the business of fish farming.