The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to revamp the poultry industry and strengthen support for farmers as part of measures to boost agricultural production, improve food security and expand economic opportunities in the state.
The Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Hon. France Edet Ekpenyong, stated this on Monday when he received the leadership of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Cross River State chapter, during a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.
Ekpenyong assured the association of the ministry’s readiness to work closely with poultry farmers to identify challenges confronting the sector and develop practical interventions to improve productivity and profitability.
He directed relevant directors in the ministry to engage the association and develop proposals addressing key areas including veterinary services, vaccines, extension support, financing and hatchery development. He also stressed the importance of poultry farming and egg production to the state’s food security and economy.
Earlier, the PAN Chairman in Cross River, Engr. Umagu Valentine, highlighted challenges confronting poultry farmers, including limited access to finance, veterinary services, vaccines and technical support, as well as the high cost of production.
Umagu called for stronger government support and collaboration with the association, saying improved intervention in the sector would enable farmers expand production and meet the growing demand for poultry products in the state.
He also disclosed plans by the association to deepen farmers’ engagement and training, as well as promote activities around World Egg Day to increase public awareness of the nutritional and economic importance of eggs.
The South-South National Vice President of PAN, Elder Willie Edet, commended the state government’s interest in the sector and advocated stronger institutional support to enable poultry farmers contribute more significantly to Cross River’s agricultural economy.
The President of PAN and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Prof. Idela Ele, called for closer collaboration among government, academia and farmers, stressing the need for technical knowledge and research to address production challenges confronting the industry.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock, Mr. Liyel Imoukhued, disclosed that the state was engaging the Bank of Agriculture on financing opportunities for farmers, while efforts were also being made to strengthen extension services and develop hatcheries.
Imoukhued further disclosed plans for feed-mill warehouses and other livestock infrastructure, as well as collaboration around initiatives such as Kala-Chicken and Songhai, aimed at improving poultry production and strengthening the livestock value chain.
The Director of Livestock, Mrs. Glory Ekpenyong, urged farmers to cooperate with extension officers and provide accurate information on their operations, noting that reliable data would help government plan interventions that effectively respond to the needs of the sector.
By Arit Ubi
