Eruvbetine, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Third Nigerian International Poultry Summit, in Abeokuta on Wednesday, lamented that poultry farmers in the country had to contend with the lack of feeds and the scourge of Avian Influenza.
The WPSA national president added that the difficulties in the sector had been compounded by the need of some countries to look for alternative sources of energy, which had resulted on the emergence of bio-fuel.
She said, "The past few years have been an extremely challenging period for the industry, especially in Nigeria. In 2008, we were faced with the shortage of feeds. Farmers were battling with the rising cost of grains and oilseeds, necessitated by the quest for alternative energy sources like bio-fuel."
Eruvbetine explained that in 2006, the advent of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, had devastating consequences on the industry, adding that outbreaks of the epidemic were still occurring sporadically.
She described the conference as a testimony of the importance of Nigeria in the production of poultry products.
Eruvbetine added that the association had brought together professionals from within and outside the country to chart a way forward and to give impetus to the poultry sector, which she described as a vital part of the agricultural sector.
"This association has plans to go beyond its present level and set up advisory services where experts and professionals would be ready to give advice to farmers whenever the need arises."
The Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, urged poultry farmers to intensify efforts to boost production in order to enhance the contribution of the industry to the nation‘s economic growth and youth empowerment.
Daniel, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Waliu Taiwo, said the state was determined to maintain its lead in poultry business by encouraging more farmers to go into the sector.
Source: The Punch
