Fingerling production commences at CRBDA fish farm in Calabar

The Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) has commenced the production of fingerlings at its fish farm in Basin Town, Calabar.

This is aimed at bringing to an end the shortfall in the supply of fingerlings to fish farmers in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The CRBDA is now producing fingerlings that will be enough to cater for the demand of fish farmers in the two states.

The facility, which is the first of its kind in the region, has the capacity of producing over 50,000 fingerlings.

Managing director of CRBDA, Engr. Bassey Nkposong, who disclosed this while meeting with the management and staff union executives in Calabar, also noted that the challenges of obtaining fingerlings by farmers outside the state have now been arrested, following the establishment of the fingerling nursery on the farm.

Engr. Nkposong said the authority has concluded plans for the establishment of mini fish farms at the various project sites with a view to bringing the culture of fish farming closer to the people.

While encouraging fish farmers to take advantage of the facility, the CRBDA boss assured that the authority was ready to provide consultancy services in fish production for fish farmers in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

He also hinted that CRIBAS water, which was off the shelves as a result of the EndSars destruction of the factory, is now available at affordable prices for consumers who value quality and standard of water for their consumption needs.

Engr. Nkposong also said that the authority’s poultry farm is now putting out broilers and will in no time produce day old chicks and eggs for public consumption.

Also speaking, the executive director, agricultural services, Dr. Mrs. Abasiama Edeghe, said project officers at the various project sites have been fully mobilized for the takeoff of the planting season.

While calling on farmers at the project to take advantage of the development, Dr. Edeghe implored local farmers to liaise with project officers for professional advice.

Chairman of the Agriculture and Allied Workers Union, Mr. Joseph Effiong, said the union was impressed with the management CRBDA for its recent welfare packages and the various innovative strategies which have gradually brought back life to the agency.

Other agricultural value chains that are being improved include poultry and vegetable, such as pepper, pumpkin and okra, among others.