Government will soon come out with transformation models to upscale poultry industry in its quest for increase production and job creation, the Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, Rev John Manu has said.
According to him, this may come in a form of support and creation of the enabling environment to make Ghana a hub for poultry meat production and promote protein intake in the face of challenging trading environment.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday ahead of Ghana Expo 2017’s International Poultry, Aquaculture and Livestock exhibition and seminars in Kumasi, Rev Manu stated that poultry could be the engine for job creation because the value chain is great.
“Government, and for that matter the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, is determined to revive the poultry industry because it is a sector that has a bright future for the growth of the economy, the ability to supply quick protein and job creation potential,” he noted.
He said the exhibition, which is being organized by Pals Africa, is to create a platform for investors and international players of the industry to help grow the industry, afford investors the opportunity to commit money into areas where Government cannot afford.
It is to cut down the importation of frozen chicken and day-old chicks as well as many items and areas where production can be done locally.
The Agric Director said Ghana has the potential to take advantage of the existing poultry meat production through significant investment in automation and technology in an attempt to reduce cost to ensure the industry’s revival and survival.
The exhibition will come off at Golden Tulip, Kumasi City, from November 2 to 3, 2017 and it is being done to bridge the gap in commercial animal production.
Chief Executive of Pals Africa, John Bewuah Edusei, said poultry and livestock industry contributed significantly to Ghana’s agriculture production and Gross Domestic Product.
Despite this, it is an industry that has received little attention, intimating that it requires significant investment to modernize and increase production to achieve its full potential.
According to him, the poultry industry remains a highly global competitive industry, employing lots of hands and raking in revenues and foreign exchange to countries.
He called for collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to promote egg eating through the School Feeding Programme.
The CEO of Boris B’s Farms and Veterinary Supplies Company Limited, Boris Baidoo thanked the Government and the Agric Ministry for its flagship programme – Planting for Food and Jobs.
He observed that it would be a great benefit to the country if government gives supports to organisations such as Pals Africa to organise events that promote agriculture and draw investors into the nation.
Source: dailyguideafrica.com
