Livestock: Association Advocates Animal Health Ministry In Anambra

The Nigerian Veterinary
Medical Association (NVMA) in Anambra State has urged Governor Willie Obiano to create Ministry of Animal Health and Production to help reposition the livestock industry in the state.
The Chairman of the Association, Dr Damian Uchenabo, made the call in Awka at a Livestock Exposition organised for livestock farmers.
Uchenabo said “we want government to look into the micro-economic benefits of livestock production and other social benefits by first creating Ministry of Animal Health and Production.
“This will put confidence in investors in the livestock sub-sector and greatly assist farmers with chain value addition to livestock products in the state.
“Powdered egg concentrates used for ice-cream and fish flavour/sauce used in biscuit making and various food preparation which could be produced locally are still being imported into the country.
“The Association is also moving for the establishment of Maize Triangle for both beef and fresh milk production.’’
The chairman appealed to the state government to assist livestock farmers to save millions of naira usually lost in the course of producing perishable livestock products like meat, eggs, fish and fresh milk.
He also appealed to the government to establish veterinary department in each of the 21 local government areas of the state for prompt animal disease reporting and surveillance.
Uchenabo said the Association was faced with challenges of lack of standard abattoirs, obsolete and weak veterinary laws, the lack of animal diagnostic laboratory and absence of cold stores for vaccines storage.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Afam Mbanefo, had assured that the state government was poised to assist and partner with the Association to boost agricultural production and discourage waste.
Mbanefo, who was represented by Mr Mark Ezebialu, said the government was providing loans and grants to credible farmers to embark on meaningful agricultural development projects.
He added that “tractors and agro-inputs are also made available at affordable rate to assist farmers.
“It is on record that the governor has so far attracted a lot of money in investment.’’
The commissioner promised that the state government would look into the Association’s requests.
The theme of the workshop was “Chain Value Addition in Livestock Production’’, aimed at seeking ways to add value to end products.