Fish Production In Zango Kataf: Prospects And Problems

INTRODUCTION: The Chinese proverb: "If you give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish you have fed him for life", clearly underlines the importance of fish production in an area where people live. Fish production in the local government area Zangon Kataf was based primarily on the production of nature, the rivers and streams in the region. The lifestyle of people in each region and their eating habits have an impact on fish production in the area.Most settlers are farmers who have little interest in the fisheries sector as it has inherited their fathers and some of them talk. The fish is really cheap source of protein for the population, the adoption of aquaculture as a means of increasing its production is not common, rather they depend largely on imported frozen fish. A quick glance at the outlets of fish in local markets, particularly in the field attest. Statistics for Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicates that demand for fish in Nigeria has been rising since 1990. It is therefore necessary to increase fish production to meet population growth and increased demand for fish. The results show that being tropical, Nigeria has almost uninterrupted environmental conditions year of uninterrupted growth of fish and other aquatic organisms.Water temperatures are optimal, the annual rainfall is sufficient optimally, more than 95% of availability ground water level is best. Other relevant factors essential in the production of fish identified, land slope, soil texture and the Socio - economic factors such as availability of data and a ready market that are optimal. Zangon Kataf falls within the geographical area known as the belt of north-central or center of all the factors mentioned above. Rain is the main source of water in rivers and streams that cross a settlement other.Fish species commonly caught in the wild are Clarias, Tilapia, Alestes, Synodontis and sometimes Malapterurus electricus. These are known to be acceptable to consumers. As indicated above, FAO statistics show that there is a growing demand for fish in Nigeria each year, statistics from the central bank indicate that local production is not adequate.It is very important that the production Additional fish to be taken or to be improved to meet the challenges of today. Prospects for the cultivation of fish abound in Zangon Kataf LGA there are suitable sites, such as creek beds in the region, the flat desert land / sloppy or land in the area around the rivers and fields with clay soils are currently used for crop farming in the region, other key factors that have been mentioned in this document. seasonal ponds can be constructed in the areas of flow with bed and clay soils that become flooded during the rainy season, and year of all ponds near rivers to ensure water supply. Due to the limited economic power of most indigenous reservoir construction field will be much less expensive practice of building concrete / plastic ponds as in fishing companies on a smaller scale in farming practices are country.Fish generally the same throughout the world, the farmer decides which to choose or adopt on the basis of the situation around him. Farmers in Zangon Kataf local government area can be successfully practiced monoculture in which one species is grown. The preferred species mainly by the consumer, Clarias because of its meat and taste. Thus, the farmer is to win much financially when he / she decides on the culture of this species. With farmers can engage in demand polyculture.With very slight increase for food, agriculture is an integral step in the right direction. Ensure maximum utilization of limited resources to reduce waste. It also makes food available throughout the year, while making the farmer self-sufficient. Muddy waters, large companies can be stored in ponds dug especially during the rainy season, breeding of fish and rice in rice [cum fish]. Both products can then be collected at the same time is when the rice is harvested. A form of integrated farming, which will be valid in the field of fish farming Zangon Kataf cum-pig. Zangon Kataf LGA falls within the pig production of mid-range is established and widespread. The pig is an animal very prolific and its combination with the fish enhances economic efficiency, environmental effectiveness and its wastes and residues left by cooking, aquatic plants are often used as food. Wastes can be used as fertilizer and as a source of food.There are problems that have hampered production of fish in Zangon Kataf local government area, both by culture and wild fish. The apparent lack of interest of the settlers of the region was a major set back. Most farmers involved in agricultural production rather than in fish. In a situation where their fathers and did not inform the fishing as a profession or a hobby for their children, it is difficult for people to create an interest in this area. This does not mean they do not eat fish, but most imported fish comes over - dependence on imports of this fish has its attendant problems. It makes people more reluctant to engage in all forms of fish production not to mention the loss of nutritional value of catching fish imported products.The main rivers of the region is dominated by migrant fishermen, mainly from the neighboring state of Kano. These fishermen have established colonies near the fishing grounds and are mainly during the dry season, which are periods of the agricultural "between the months from December to April, returning to their homes when the rains all cultures. However, fish production is still low, because fishermen are few compared to the size of the river most of the fishing gears used are older gear -. years have learned to use by their predecessors, these are the lines and hooks, traps Most fish in the form of baskets, gourds / gourd lines and a pair of cast nets used from time to time are used together. The quantity and size of fish caught is partly determined by them resulting in low productivity. inhabitants of the region are rural residents build low-income mostly from the sale of construction cost agricultural products.The, seed and feed to gain and so is quite expensive for these farmers. The security issue is also one of the main concerns in this area. Most farms are not protected by fencing or other safeguards to poaching is a common phenomenon, which will be a major set back for each farmer who will carry out fish farming. The problem is compounded by farmers will not be able to farm near their homes, since most arable land is far from home. Another challenge for this sector is lack of awareness, which seems to be the decisive factor for the initiation of fish farming in the region. Many farmers lack the basic information on the culture of fish that can arouse their interest in participating. For some, the lack of information passed to them killing their interest in the issues, information such as water for culture should be changed daily or every two days, the ponds shall be constructed of concrete, etc.. The art of fish seems too difficult, so if some were discouraged.Fish Zangon Kataf LGA production was low due mainly to the under-utilization of available water resources in the region for this purpose. Water resources are used for other purposes such as irrigation, washing, bathing and others with little or no attention to fishing. The lack of interest in fishing as a profession or hobby hampers the production of fish wild.The by the majority of the population lives below the poverty line, which is common to most of the over 140 million Nigerians . They are facing problems to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, nutrition and the minimum demand of health.The course growing food, including fish due to population growth, demand on the residents to improve the area. The adoption of low contributions fish culture especially large system integration of livestock and fish will be very useful for resource-poor farmers. This will be the protein needs of the population, increasing their profits for a marginal better standard of living agricoltori.-Fish should form groups that can access financial assistance from government or other financial collective efforts institutions.Such may be adopted by small communities that now use these funds for fish or used to purchase or construction of fishing boats and other fishing gear that can be used by farmers, fishermen, even if it is based on the loan. agricultural extension workers and all involved must engage in broad light on the benefits of fishing and fish, wildlife and fish from both cultures. It will go a long way to arouse the interest of the peoples of the sector. Extension workers will be well positioned to address the suspects on fishing in general ....