In a bid to further support the real sector and unlock the nation’s food production potential, Heritage Bank Plc in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has provided N2 billion long-term facility under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme to Triton Aqua Africa Ltd (TAAL).
TAAL, known as Triton Farm, accessed the CACS through Heritage Bank, which will be used to set up aquaculture businesses; nursery/hatchery for the production of fingerlings and brood stock in Ikeja and earthen ponds for catfish and tilapia in Asejire, Iwo and Gambari towns in Oyo State.
The Company’s strategy is to embrace backward integration through production of fish locally and reduce its importation of frozen fish and as well to assist small scale farms by producing quality breed fingerlings.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator, Heineken Lokpobiri, during a tour at Triton Farms commended the firm’s management, adding that the CBN and Heritage Banks’ financial support to the company’s efforts is very fundamental as investment in food security is probably the most profitable venture anyone could think of.
He however said that Nigeria has a deficit of over 2 million metric tonnes of poultry produce, and over 3 million metric tonnes deficit in fish products. Lokpobiri noted that the agro-production deficits show huge investment potential in the sector.
The minister appealed to banks to finance more of agricultural projects than trading, oil and gas etc., as the future is highly dependent on agriculture.
The Group Head, Agric Finance of Heritage Bank, Olugbenga Awe stated that the partnership between the bank and Triton Farm for local production of fish will conserve scarce foreign exchange and enhance food security.
“Nigeria’s current demand capacity for fish is estimated at 2.7 million metric tonnes and the country currently produces 800,000 metric tonnes. Triton is now producing 25,000 metric tonnes and with them on board, about 25,000 metric tons capacity will be added to our current production, the company’s projection is to reach 100,000 metric tons in 5years,” he said.
According to Awe, the bank sees agriculture as one of its heritage that can empower individuals and communities in terms of creating wealth from the soil and through the entire value–chain using value addition and industrialization.
He further disclosed: “We have supported large corporates such as Triton in expanding their capacity and boosting import substitution, we have also supported exporters that export commodities or processed goods which ultimately conserve scare FX and enhance our balance of trade.
“We are also focused on small holder farmers as we currently support thousands of farmers in Kaduna and Zamfara states in rice and soybeans production under the Anchor Borrowers Programme. We are also targeting the youth that are interested in agriculture through our partnership with CBN on Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, Triton Group, Ashvin Samtani, said the farm was fully integrated in aquaculture, poultry and crop production and is a platform to create employment for the teeming youth.
“Triton Farm is designed to train youth in agriculture and create employment, as well as generate wealth. This is the only farm in the whole region that is fully integrated in aquaculture, poultry and crop production,” he affirmed.