Ways to support the struggling feed and poultry sectors were explored at recent meetings in the West African state. For the feed industry, the focus was on improving sustainability, and the use of alternative raw materials.
The highlight of a recent event held in Abuja, Nigeria, last week was the distribution of animal feeds to attendees, reports the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
Held with development partners in the livestock sub-sector, the meeting aimed to encourage the use of alternative feed ingredients in Nigeria. As well as enhancing the animal feed supply in the West African state, the initiative aims to reduce production costs and boost the general economy. Among the attendees were farmers, feed millers and co-operative organizations.
Fitting with the current federal government’s agenda to leverage the nation’s agriculture for wealth creation, employment generation and economic diversification is the new Capacity Building Programme. This was outlined by a spokesperson for the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe.
Aims of the meeting were to offer know-how and possible solutions to a sector struggling to recover from COVID-19, widespread flooding and insecurity in the Nigerian feed industry.
To the Nigeria’s feed manufacturers, an FMARD representative offered support to improve production and processing methods. As well as raising incomes, the initiative aims to expand national feed output and boost food security.
In his speech, the head of the National Animal Production Research Institute urged those present to use the knowledge gained from the meeting to make livestock and poultry feed production more sustainable.