The Oyo State Government has disclosed 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.
Penpushing reports that the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye made this known on Saturday while declaring open the World Egg Day in Ibadan, stressing that this will enhance and promote food security in the state.
The Commissioner explained that 1,691 poultry farmers would be given poultry feed while 1691 fish farmers would also benefit from the programme, 2537 crops farmers and 2539 cattle sheep and goat farmers would equally benefit, being the first phase of the programme
Penpushing further reports that Olasunkanmi maintained that efforts of poultry farmers in food security cannot be underestimated, hence the Oyo State Government’s vested interest to regulate the poultry business in the state.
The commissioner noted that it would help the ministry have accurate data of poultry farmers in the state and to ensure quality production for public consumption, adding that 11,000 bags of feeds have been set aside for poultry farmers.
Penpushing also reports that he pointed out that accurate data can only help the ministry to extend government’s good gesture to the poultry sector, explaining that monitoring of their activities was necessary due to regular lose recorded in the sector, most especially this period of high cost of feeds.
‘Part of areas which we are much concerns is feeding, we will monitor feeds production that are 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.
Penpushing reports that Olasunkanmi therefore called on the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to complement government’s efforts in enhancing food security in the state having in mind that government cannot do everything.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Oyo State branch, Elder Omidokun Oyekunle in his remarks said the World Egg Day is celebrated every 13th of October worldwide to encourage people on the need to eat egg daily.
Penpushing further reports that Oyekunle said an egg is a complete food that contains proteins, vitamins and minerals as well as fatty acids needed in the body, stressing that poultry business has assisted the state government in eradicating poverty, through creation of job opportunities to the people.
The Chairman of the body acknowledged that Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in the State has enjoyed good relationship with the present government compared to former administrations in the state.
Penpushing also reports that he equally assured government of the readiness of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to work with 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, as well as a public display of foods that can be made from egg at Iwo-road interchange, in the state capital as part of event set aside to celebrate this year World Egg Day.
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