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The federal government is committed to applying biotechnology for improved fish production, said Mohammed Abubakar, minister of science and technology, in Abuja last week.

Speaking at an open forum for agricultural biotechnology organised by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Mr. Abubakar said it was worrisome that the country still spends huge sums of money annually on the importation of aquatic products, despite its vast fresh water resources.

“It is unpleasant to note that the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation reported that between 1996 and 2001, Nigeria spent a total sum of $11.42 million to buy 25,934 tons of aquatic products.

“In our desire to achieve food sufficiency and alleviate poverty among our people, this state of affairs cannot, therefore, be allowed to continue,” Mr. Abubakar said.

He added that while the contribution of fisheries to the Nigerian economy is significant, the nation’s domestic production, estimated at 0.16 metric tonnes, had fallen far short of the demand of 1.55 million metric tonnes.

Biotech to the rescue

Mr. Abubakar suggested that the application of biotechnology in aquaculture and fishery would improve food security and enhance the income of the farmers.

“It is clear that to achieve the much deserved fish food sufficiency, aquaculture development is the solution. We at the federal ministry of science and technology will ensure that all parastatals and agencies under us deploy all their energies and expertise to lead the light in utilising science and technology to solve the myriads of challenges that confront us as a people,” he said.

Obadiah Ando, minister of water resources, agreed with the minister. Mr. Ando, who was represented by Mike Magaji, his special assistant on technical matters, said that the ministry plans to expand the use of dams in Nigeria to include aquaculture, irrigation, and fisheries.

“The imperatives of food security are compelling us, not only to move away from conventional modes of agricultural production, but also to embrace a deeper appreciation of modern biotechnology,” he said.

Bamidele Solomon, director general of NABDA, said that the issue was of growing importance, as fisheries production is stagnant and many wild fish stocks are declining while the population grows.

“The gap between fish supply and fish demand in Africa will grow dramatically unless we do something about it,” he said.