The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, inaugurated an ultra-modern fish hatchery in Calabar, Cross River State, on Thursday. The newly established facility boasts the capacity to produce over 20 million fish juveniles annually, with a remarkable output of five million each quarter.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory, classrooms for educational programs, and a dedicated research center, this hatchery is a collaborative effort, funded by the Federal Government, the Cross River State Government, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), among others.
Minister Kyari emphasized the hatchery’s dual role in enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women in the aquaculture subsector.
He noted that the South-south region’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s oil and fishery hub prompted the establishment of this facility, which aims to empower local fish farmers through innovative research and training.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on leveraging technology and innovation to elevate the nation’s agri-food systems and promote job creation.
