Dizengoff diversifies into aquaculture

Kumasi, March 21, GNA - Dizengoff Ghana Limited, dealers in agro-chemicals and Motorola Services is diversifying into aquaculture and its appropriate technology transfer to make that branch in agriculture viable and attractive to farmers in the country. Mr Yuval Najiv, Managing director of the company disclosed this to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene when he introduced Mr. David Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of the company to him during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi at the weekend.

Mr Najiv, who also used the occasion to donate a cheque for 25 million cedis to the Otumfuo's Education Fund as his company's contribution, said an amount of 2.5 million dollars would be spent during the first phase of the project, which will commence as soon as an intended 50 hectare suitable land where water is available has been acquired.

Mr Reynolds said his company was aware that fish farming is not new in the country but Dizengoff plans to make that area very lucrative and attractive to farmers by introducing technology that will help increase yields to help boost the country's protein needs and create employment. Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised the company for its efficient operation in the country as a business entity since independence and expressed satisfaction that it is now re-investing into fish farming to provide a means of livelihood to people as well as producing fish both for local consumption and for export.

He thanked Dizengoff for the donation to the fund, which is being utilised to assist brilliant but needy students, while calling on other business companies to also endeavour to contribute to the fund. Nana Otuo Serebour, paramount chief of Juaben and Member of Council of State, who is also into oil palm plantation, recounted his experience with Dizengoff the past two years, saying that co-operation in the area of oil palm development has been very fruitful.

He advised the company to be human-centred in dealings with its customers whiles also considering how it could become a nucleus for the supply of fingerlings to farmers who would express interest in fish farming.