The Ashanti Regional Poultry Farmers Association has expressed gratitude to Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, for his assurance to support poultry farmers.
The Association paid a courtesy call in the minister to discuss challenges facing the industry.
Regional Chairman Mr Charles Donkor noted that the association proposed establishing a Poultry Council to address issues such as high production costs and competition from imported products.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Donkor promised to relay their concerns to the Minister of Food and Agriculture to have them addressed.
He noted that if these proposals are implemented, it will help create jobs, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth.
“We are grateful to the Ministet. The reception he gave us was excellent. He promised to channel our concerns to the Agric Ministry and pledged government support to boost productivity. As an association, we are optimistic that with support from the government, the industry can thrive, create more jobs and reduce the importation of frozen chicken.”
He was worried that the importation of 270,000 metric tonnes of frozen chicken per annum, valued at $300 million, was unhealthy and a threat to the local poultry market, the local cedi, and the growth of local production. He stated that the Ashanti Poultry Association alone can create over 430,800 jobs through government support.
Mr Charles Donkor stressed that they need working capital to expand their business and was hopeful the government will give them that support.
He lamented that several poultry farmers (50 percent) are out of business.
“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we have struggled to sustain our businesses. About 50 percent of businesses are struggling to survive. We have scenarios where poultry farms that can accommodate over 20,000 birds only have between 1,000 to 2,000 birds. The poultry feed is also expensive, and so it has affected the sustainability of our poultry businesses. Access to loans is also a challenge because the interest rate is high. But we are hopeful the government will give us the needed support.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
