By: Aisha Mohammed
Fish farmers have been encouraged to embrace modern techniques for smoking fish in a more hygienic environment to meet export standards, thereby helping to boost the country’s economy.
The Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, Jummai Adamu, made the call during a 2-Day Industrial Technology Extension program on Industrial Linkage Technology Extension to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Six Geopolitical Zones for Rapid Industrialization of the National Economy, held in Yola, Adamawa State.
Represented by Techno-Economics and Industrial Consultant, Dr. Dele Oyeku, the Director General,Jummai Adamu said that FIIRO has developed a fish smoking technology that meets global standards.
This innovation aims to introduce local fish processors to modern technology, promoting ease of business and reducing youth unemployment in the country.
Zonal Director, FIIRO North-East Zonal Office, Dr. Ajani Sakireedeen, noted that aquaculture, especially fish farming, is a lucrative business.
He added that Adamawa State, along with other North-Eastern states, is rich in fish resources capable of boosting the country’s GDP.
On his part, the Chairman of the Fish Farmers Association, Adamawa State, Emmanuel Bitrus, encouraged participants to venture into aquaculture and register their businesses with relevant bodies to build customer trust and credibility.
Participants, mostly small holder fish farmers and traditional fish smokers, acknowledged the challenges with traditional fish smoking methods, such as lack of control over the drying process and exposure to contaminants like dirt, dust, and insects, leading to poor quality smoked fish.
They expressed gratitude to FIIRO for introducing them to modern fish smoking technology and pledged to apply the knowledge to ensure consistency in their fish farming and smoking operations, which they believe will enhance their business prospects.
The 2-Day Industrial Technology Extension program was organized by FIIRO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Science and Innovation to link technology extension to small and medium enterprises in the six geopolitical zones, with the aim of rapidly industrializing the national economy.