The Delta State Government has organized a one day practical training on Fish Processing to twelve youths under its Brown Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP).
Each youth drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state was also given 2 fish smoking kilns, cash support of one hundred thousand naira and other technical support to set up business in Fish Processing.
The Resource Person and Agricultural Engineer from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Dr. Emeka Chinwieze, said the training was aimed at impacting practical knowledge on modern techniques in fish processing to the YAGEPreneurs using modern fish smoking kiln fuelled with charcoal or gas.
Dr. Chinwieze added that the training will acquaint the beneficiaries with engineering concept of using standard, contamination-free processes and machine built with stainless steel to dry fish so as to meet international standard.
Each smoking kiln has a chimney, a thermometer, uses either gas or coal and has the capacity to dry a 100kg quantity of fish within 36 to 76 hours.
Also speaking, an Economist from FUTO, Prof. Jude Illechi, pointed out that the trainees could thrive in Fish Processing without engaging in fish production, stressing that the training was to help them add value and make fish more marketable locally and internationally.
He enjoined the trainees to take the training seriously in order to train other youths interested in setting up businesses in Fish Processing.
On her part, the Communication Officer in the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, Mrs Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh, explained that the twelve trainees were selected from Brown YAGEPreneurs engaged by the state government in the 2018/2019 Programme Cycle.
She emphasized that each beneficiary would receive 2 fish smoking kilns, hundred thousand naira, one night accommodation and transport fare and other items to enable them to begin their enterprises.
Two of the beneficiaries, Ruth Ologe (Ughelli North) and Ofure Edema (Warri South) commended the state government for the opportunity to be trained in Fish Processing, pledging to put the knowledge gained and their smoking kilns into good use.
