By Doris Obinna and Henry Uche
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sensitised poultry farmers in Ogun State on healthy practices, in line with International standards, to ensure that only healthy animal products are consumed by Nigerians.
The exercise, which took place during the 2023 Nigerian Poultry Show and Exhibition, saw the presence of hundreds of poultry entrepreneurs, veterinarians and professionals in other related fields in the animal value chain.
Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products, Rametu Omamegbe Momodu, said: “It is important we sensitize them so that they would take cognizance of human health as the ultimate consideration while brooding their birds. What we eat and drink no doubt affects our whole being. When animals are not given proper care, when we eat them we’re affected. Feeding them with the requisite quality and quantity of food, vaccination and other form of due diligence should be a top priority for poultry keepers.”
She pledged open door policy as she sought for collaboration and cooperation with all stakeholders to see that what people consume are fit and proper for the body and mind. “We bridge the gap between the regulator and regulated. We do industrial outreach. This is an opportunity for them to collaborate with themselves.”
Managing Director, Agro Merit, Samson Adetunji, decried hostile business environment impeding farmers from prospering: “The agro sector is one of the most lucrative sectors in developed economies like Denmark, over there; farmers smile to the banks, but here, reverse is the case.
“The government is not engaging the right people. Banks are declaring profits quarterly and annually in billions but in Agro sector, people are throwing in the towel couple with insecurity. Has government been asking banks how far they’re supporting the Agric sector?
“We need to have direct access to the ministry of agriculture both at State and federal level. We need to feed ourselves, we have more than enough, the challenge is absence of proper management our natural, human and financial resources and the political will to do the right thing at the right time and place for the right results. The hunger in the land is so alarming, it’s quite unfortunate.”
