85 farmers to benefit from special pilot poultry program in STMA
Eighty-five poultry farmers have been selected from the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis to be part of the Special Pilot Poultry Program. The Assembly has also been selected as one of the pilot Assemblies in Ghana for the program.
The initiative forms part of a program by government in making Ghana self sufficient in poultry production, in the next five years.
The Ghana poultry industry has suffered series of setbacks due to the growing decline in profitability of meat and egg production. The local poultry industry has over the years, been unable to meet the growing demand in consumption of the product which has forced many Ghanaians to rely on imported chickens for consumption.
Government, through its Rearing for Food and Jobs program has targeted the local poultry industry to develop effective and competitive poultry products that will increase domestic production, and reduce importation to meet the growing demand.
Speaking at the 35th farmers day celebration at the Takoradi Airforce base, Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Anthony K.K. Sam indicated that, the inclusion of the 85 farmers in the national pilot program is a step in the right direction.
“I’m glad to inform you that, the STMA has also been selected as one of the pilot assemblies for the special poultry program of which eighty-five farmers in the poultry industry in our metropolis have been selected and submitted to Accra for consideration. This program, when comes into fruition, will enable the poultry industry to increase production, and to some extent minimize the importation of chicken products into the country,” Mr. K.K. Sam indicated.
According to him, government has also introduced the greenhouse technology for interested youth in vegetable production. He further indicated that, a total of 5,500 farmers have so far benefited from the various government programs, including planting for food and jobs and planting for export and rural development.
In all, eighteen farmers were awarded. 46year old Joseph Bossman with 23 years farming experience was adjudged the best farmer in the metropolis. 64-year-old Rebecca Sam received the price for the best female farmer, whilst 55-year-old Egya Ankyere was awarded the best fisherman.
Story: Eric Nana Gyetuah
