The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau chapter, has called on the state government to support the poultry industry with a view to increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr John Dasar, chairman of the association in the state, explained that the poultry industry has contributed immensely to the economy of the state by creating jobs for a large number of youths.
He said government could support farmers by giving them grants to boost their poultry businesses and, in turn, improve the revenue generation profile of the state.
”Poultry business in Plateau is very viable, and its massive contribution in terms of revenue generation for the state cannot be over-emphasised.
”Unfortunately, government is not doing anything to assist the growth of the industry in the state, and I think that is not healthy for its revenue profile.
”The last outbreak of bird flu in the state has done a lot of harm to farmers. Most farmers have completely gone bankrupt with nothing to rely on.
”Government can give soft loans to these farmers, supervise its usage, so as to enable them bounce back to business. This will boost the economic strength of the state,” he said.
Dasar explained that over 150 poultry farms were closed down and about 1500 persons out of job because of the last outbreak of bird flu in the state.
”It means then that 150 farms became idle and over 1500 farm attendants working in those farms no longer have jobs to do,” the chairman said.
According to him, the value chain in poultry industry has been the major source of income for most families in the state, especially amidst non-payment of salaries for civil servants.
The PAN boss said government must show concern towards the plight of poultry farmers in the state.
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