By Dikachi Franklin, in Owerri
..Produces about 80,000 fish monthly
The growth of Nigeria’s economy lies on the proper development of its agricultural sector and as such, the Federal Government should endeavour to make it attractive to enable people, especially the youths, to embrace and take it as an occupation or profession.
Bobby Elechi, the General Manager of Vintage Farms and Products limited told our Correspondent during the company’s fourth year Fishing Exhibition/Festival, located along Ahoda road Elele in Rivers State, recently.
“Agriculture is the future of the economy of this country, Nigeria, we look forward to a time when our youths and the younger generations will be involved in agriculture because that is the only way we can grow the economy, that is the only way we can grow the economy of Nigeria and the Federal government shouldn’t be paying lip service to agriculture, they should make agriculture attractive for the youths to take it as a profession”, Elechi said.
He has therefore advised that youths should not relegate agriculture to the background but have passion for agriculture stressing that some could go into fish farming, animal husbandry, crop production or any other branch of agriculture or agro- allied businesses
Elechi disclosed that the vision of Vintage Farms and Products limited is to fill the declining gap of wild fish production in the country and “this is the essence “we are engaged in robust fish production like cat fish and tilapia.
Vintage Farms and Products limited is a sister company to Cedar Construction limited, Veteran and Vintage Tech limited, Vintage Resorts and Recreations and Vintage Water limited.
Vintage Farms and Products has over 50 concrete ponds and about 30 clay or earthling ponds which are located in a very scerene environment, providing natural habitat favorable for the growth of tilapia and cat fish species.
Each of the ponds produces about 1000 fish monthly and as a result, Vintage Farms and Products produces about 80,000 fish monthly that are sold to fish mongers.
The general manager said the fish Festival which is in its fourth year has helped to create much publicity to the company, informing that the fish festival has become a forum for family friends well wishers as well as fish festival enthusiasts to gather to dine and wine and discuss matters of interest.
“This year is the fourth year of this event and this year has actually been the largest because we prepared for it very, very well. It has been a very good advantage to the company. As you can see it is a part of our passion and commitment to agriculture that is why you can see the crowd here”, he said.
Meanwhile, Bobby Elechi has stated that the company has in keeping with its corporate social responsibility(CSR) done a lot for the community including over100 people who are workers and majority are sons and daughters of the community.
