By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA-THE government Poland has concluded plans to partner with Nigeria in fish production in order to achieve self sufficiency in producing the commodity. This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister of Economy of Poland, Andrzej Dycha, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina in Abuja.

fish pond

Dycha said his country was attracted by the enormous fish production potential in Nigeria and seeks to establish a bilateral relationship where Poland will provide modern fish processing facilities for the production of fish in Nigeria. He said the visit was to explore areas of interest in the agricultural sector and also to strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries.

He was accompanied by the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Niesio Cowsles, added that both countries can also partner in the area of agricultural production and storage that will benefit them.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary Architect. Sonny Echono, who represented the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said Nigeria was willing to widen the existing relationship with Poland in the agricultural sector in the areas of increasing crop yields, expansion of processing facilities, packaging, reduction in post harvest losses and sustainable land utilisation.

Echono further stated that there was need for both countries to also mentioned expand production and processing of animal products as well as establishment of working relationship between their agricultural research institutions . It will be recalled that the Nigerian Research/Fishing Vessel MV Bayagbona which was commissioned in 2014 by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was built in Poland.