RSG Partners Firm To Build Feed Mills

The Rivers State Government is partnering with private investors to build feed mills in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Fisheries, Mr Alapuye Cotterell, who disclosed this during a courtesy call on him by the Rivers State Agriculture Society of Nigeria also said that the government is building mega fish farms across the state.

Mr Cotterell said that the project is part of the effort by the administration to make Rivers State the fishery hub of Nigeria.

He said that government is ready to buy into any effort by the society to attract investors into the sector, pointing out that government effort is geared towards provoking the interest of all segments of the society in the sector.

“Government is establishing a farm in partnership with private individuals who had come in to develop these farms and to manage them and government intend to withdraw its interest and leave the companies in the hands of private operators”, he said.

The chairman of the society, Dr Felix O. Felix, listed the challenges of fish farmers in the state to include; lack of feeds, no access roads to fish farms and inadequate electricity for fish farming.

Dr Felix stressed the need for government subsidy on fish feeds, while efforts be made to encourage members of the society to stop in business.

He also stressed the need for the government to partner with foreign investors to build feed mills in the state.

Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Deacon Clapton  Ogolo urged for grants to fish farmers in the state as most fish farmers have quitted the business due to hardship.