Federal Agric Ministry Empowers 30 Rivers Poultry Farmers

In a bid to encourage agricultural growth, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has empowered 30 poultry farmers from Rivers State.
This was part of a 2-Day training/empowerment programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.
The 2- Day training, taking place at the Rumuodomaya office of ADP, saw starter packs handed over to the 30 beneficiaries drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State
In his speech, the Programme Manager, Rivers State Agricultural Development, Vitalis Chindah, said the empowerment would enhance food security and alleviate poverty.
Chindah hinted that the training would prepare small holder poultry farmers to appreciate poultry business.
“The small holders farmers who constitute 75% farming population will make maximum use of the platform,” he stated.
He noted that the poultry industry played vital role in reducing malnutrition, poverty and promoting economic growth.
“The farmers’ efforts in producing eggs, chickens are vital sources of animal protein and maybe the only source for high quality protein for the poor and venulrable in the society
“It is essential for capacity building, strengthening the business economically by developing knowledge of trainers on production practices to, enhance market strategies that will enable farmers perform effectively to enhance household income and food security.
“It will also reduce poverty and sustain the economy. It will remove misconception, and give right direction to the small holders farmers”, he said.
He commends the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development for demonstrating the political will in agricultural development by ensuring regular payment on agric businesses and supporting farmers and providing necessary incentives for farmers.
According him, the vision of the Ministry is to work with relevant stakeholders to build an agric economy capable of delivering prosperity and meeting domestic food security through extension services.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to take it serious and warned that they should not sell the starter packs.
Also speaking, representative of the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Extension Department, Gloria Iboroma, said the empowerment would make them be independent.
She charged the beneficiaries to sustain food production in the country, saying the exercise was taking place simultaneously across 23 states of the federation.