Anambra Agric Commissioner Urges Livestock Farmers to Embrace Modern Technologies

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Anambra State Chapter has trained over 800 farmers on modern practices needed to boost their livestock businesses and productivity in the state.

Participants and Stakeholders at the one day training workshop with the theme “Maximizing Profitability and Promoting Sustainability in Livestock Farming” were drawn from across the state.

Declaring the event open in Awka, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, urged the farmers to embrace modern technologies as strategic effort to unlock opportunities in the livestock sector.

He suggested adoption of combined livestock with crops farming, integrated pest management mechanism, divers livestock systems as well as regenerative farming to facilitate production of more profitable and healthier livestock.

Describing the theme as apt, Ihejiofor urged the participants to research and introduce innovative approaches and practices to expand livestock productivity in the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Awka, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka appreciated effort of the organisers in training farmers to enhance their businesses.

She described knowledge as key to achieving any developmental strides in the livestock sector, urging them to go organic and use of alternative means especially black soldier fly to reduce cost of feeds.

Emphasizing the need to adopt proper management practices in livestock production, Uzoka warned against use of growth hormones and other harmful practices that could endanger lives.

Earlier, State Chairman of the Association, Dr Victor Ughaerumba, said the training was targeted at empowering livestock farmers on how best to start and manage poultry, fishery and piggery businesses.

He acknowledged support of stakeholders in ensuring successful engagement, expressing optimism it would promote sustainable practices.

Project Officer, Bank of Industry, Chinwendu Eze, enumerated available credit facilities such as BOI Fund, FGN intervention fund and Anambra State Matching fund which farmers could access to run their businesses.

Other Resource Persons who delivered lectures during the program including Dr Ifeanyi Obiwulu, Chairman, Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners, Dr Donatus Obi and Dr Nonso Umeononigwe, tutored the participants on sustainable management practices.

They noted with relevant skills and sustainable strategies livestock production had the tendency to impact positively on both individual and state economy.

According to Umeononigwe, the initiative is part of efforts to promote self development in the sector by equipping farmers with practical production techniques.

Contributing, Dr Webster Okonkwo, a Poultry Consultant and Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Veterinary Centre, Ekwulobia, noted that with careful and sound management practices, livestock farmers would overcome the challenges facing the industry.

He said the event represented a significant step towards strengthening the livestock sector and ensuring food security for the state.

While calling for adoption of Bio-Security measures in poultry management, he urged livestock farmers to patronise Deco wide range of products and supplements for optimal result.

The event also featured presentation of an award to a Pig Farmer, Chief Sunday Igboeli and Certificates of Participation, while some of the participants including Benedicta Nnamdi and Comrade Emeka Igwilo described the workshop as impactful.

They commended the initiative of the organisers for staging the life changing event and called for it to be a regular exercise.