The Cross River Government says it is exploring measures to support poultry farmers through access to affordable feed, financing and veterinary services amid rising production costs.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, Mr Liyel Imoukhuede, disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Calabar on Monday.
Imoukhuede said the proposed interventions were aimed at cushioning the impact of rising poultry feed prices, particularly on smallholder farmers, while making poultry production more profitable and sustainable.
“The government is concerned about the rising cost of poultry feed and its impact on farmers, especially smallholders.
“We are exploring ways to improve access to affordable feed, financing, veterinary services and other essential inputs,” he said.
He said the government was also exploring partnerships to boost local feed production and reduce livestock farming costs in the state.
According to him, increasing local production of feed ingredients, encouraging commercial feed milling and improving access to affordable financing were among the measures being considered.
“We need to increase local production of feed ingredients, encourage commercial feed milling and improve farmers’ access to affordable financing,” he said.
Imoukhuede added that collaboration with the private sector and farmers’ associations would be critical to reducing production costs and ensuring the sustainability of poultry businesses.
“By working with the private sector and farmers’ associations, we can reduce production costs and help more farmers remain in business,” he said.
The governor’s aide reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing the livestock sector as part of efforts to improve food security, create employment opportunities and attract investment in agriculture.
