By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Anambra State Chapter has trained over 800 farmers on 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 held at Cana House, Awka, open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, urged the farmers to embrace modern technologies as strategic effort to unlock opportunities in the livestock sector.
He further suggested adoption of combined livestock with crops farming, integrated pest management mechanism, divers livestock systems as well as regenerative farming to facilitate the production of more profitable and healthier livestock
While describing the theme as apt, he urged the participants to research and introduce innovative approaches and practices to expand livestock productivity in the state.
In her remarks, 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.
Uzoka, emphasized the need to adopt proper management practices in livestock production, warning against use of growth hormones and other harmful practices that could endanger lives.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Association, Dr Victor Ughaerumba, said the training aimed to empower livestock farmers on how best to start and manage poultry, fishery and piggery businesses.
Expressing optimism that the capacity building workshop would promote sustainable practices, he acknowledged the support of stakeholders in ensuring the successful staging of the event.
In her presentation, the 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.
