…Pledges To Regulate Poultry Business To Enhance Quality Production
Dele Olaosebikan
THE Oyo State government on Saturday, revealed its plans to distribute about 11,000 bags of poultry feed to 1,691 poultry farmers in the state as part of its continued efforts to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye revealed this while declaring open the World Egg Day in Ibadan.
According to him, this will enhance and promote food security in the state.
He explained that 1,691 poultry farmers would be given poultry feed while 1691 fish farmers would also benefit from the programme, 2537 crop farmers and 2539 cattle sheep and goat farmers would equally benefit, being the first phase of the programme
Barrister Olasunkwnmi maintained that the efforts of poultry farmers in food security cannot be underestimated, hence the Oyo State government’s vested interest in regulating the poultry business in the state.
He noted that it would help the ministry have accurate data of poultry farmers in the state and ensure quality production for public consumption.
Barr. Olasunkanmi also explained that 11,000 bags of feeds have been set aside for poultry farmers, saying accurate data can only help the ministry to extend the government’s good gesture to the poultry sector.
He explained that monitoring their activities was necessary due to regular losses recorded in the sector, most especially during this period of high cost of feeds.
“Part of the areas in which we are many concerns is feeding, we will monitor feed production that is to be given to birds so as to enhance poultry farmers’ profitability, and to ensure resilient day-old chicks, as well as enhance standardisation of poultry products processing in the state”. He said.
The Commissioner, therefore, called on the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to complement government’s efforts in enhancing food security in the state bearing in mind that government cannot do everything.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Oyo State branch, Elder Omidokun Oyekunle said that World Egg Day is celebrated every 13th of October worldwide to encourage people on the need to eat eggs daily.
He said an egg is a complete food that contains proteins, vitamins and minerals as well as fatty acids needed in the body.
He stressed that the poultry business has assisted the state government in eradicating poverty, through the creation of job opportunities to the people.
The association’s Chairman acknowledged that PAN in the state has enjoyed a good relationship with the present government compared to former administrations in the state.
He equally assured the government of the readiness of PAN to work with the government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb quackery in the poultry business.
The team, alongside the staff of the ministry, donated eggs to pupils of IMG Primary School, Total Garden, Ibadan.
There was a public display of foods that can be made from eggs at the Iwo Road interchange, in the state capital as part of event set aside to celebrate this year’s World Egg Day.
Eighteen-Eleven Media