The National Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey 2017 has recorded a decrease in aquaculture and artisanal fish production in some states across the country.
The survey conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the states ministries of agriculture
attributed the decline in fish production to the high cost of fish feeds, poor market for fish, non-access to credit facilities as well as aquatic pests and diseases, among others.
According to the survey, Adamawa produced 10,000 tonnes of fish in 2017, as against 20,000 tonnes produced in 2016; while fish production in Bauchi State and Federal Capital Territory recorded a decrease of 21.62 and 71 respectively.
The report indicated a slight increase in fish production in Gombe, Kwara and Oyo states.
Nigeria’s total annual fish demand is estimated estimated at 2.7 million tonnes, with the country’s fish farmers producing only 30 percent of the figure.
