The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation), in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), has donated 20 piece of 50kg smoking kilns to fish farmers and agribusinesses in Lagos State.
With the support of the BATN Foundation, LSADA also facilitated several weeks of intensive capacity building and established four demonstration sites for practical training for over 200 beneficiaries, cutting across agricultural zones – Agege, Ojo, Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki.
The initiative is programmed to enhance the productivity of the farmers and equip them to successfully overcome the challenges prevalent in the aquaculture industry.
During the handing over ceremony of the smoking kilns to the beneficiaries at the LSADA office, Oko-Oba Agege, the General Manager, BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, said the foundation’s long-standing assistance to farmers has revealed the importance of not only imparting optimal agricultural practices for enhanced fish production, but also ensuring market access and empowering them to enhance the value of their commodities.
The approach, according to him, is essential for building resilience against price volatility. “In our long-term work to supporting farmers, we have seen that beyond simply imparting best practices for enhancing fish yield, it is critical to give them market access and give them the tools they need to add value to their products and withstand fluctuations in prices.”
In her keynote address, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Ms. Ruth Abisola Olusanya, represented by Director, Agribusiness, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Aramide Gansallo, encouraged the fish farmers benefiting from the initiative to maximize the opportunity for successful fish processing in the state.
She reiterated that the project plays a pivotal role in supporting the state’s on-going agricultural policy to guarantee food sufficiency and security across significant agricultural value chains.
A beneficiary of the initiative, Elizabeth Tagbenu, stated that participating in the training has provided her with new knowledge and real-life scenarios to increase her output. She also mentioned how the smoking kiln donation will help her business and boost her productivity.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Abdullateef Adekunle, expressed his gratitude to the BATN Foundation for providing him with the smoking kiln, saying the invaluable support would not only enhance his business but would also open new avenues for growth.
“With this equipment, I can now process and preserve my fish more efficiently, ensuring better market opportunities and increased income for my family,” he said.
