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Livestock Demonstration Village for
Pong-Tamale commissioned
Pong-Tamale (N/R), April 13, GNA- A Livestock Demonstration
Village, established at Pong-Tamale for the training of
farmers and students of the Pong-Tamale Veterinary Training
College in animal production, was on Thursday commissioned.
The Farmer Extension Research Project Responsive Mechanism
(FARMER Project) sponsored the scheme with support from the
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).
The 132 million cedis one-hectare square facility will also
assist in the practical training of students of the
Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Training College to acquaint
them with new livestock breed imported into the country from
Mali and Burkina Faso.
Livestock farmers, particularly those from the Upper East,
Upper West and Northern Regions, were expected to acquire
practical training from the Demonstration Village for
improved production of livestock.
Mr. Sylvester Adongo, Northern Regional Director of MOFA,
commissioning the Demonstration Village, noted that
livestock production was an important aspect of agricultural
development, which required adequate resources to help
improve the country's economy.
He observed that livestock provided food security including
animal protein and created employment for the people,
especially those in the rural areas.
The Regional Director of MOFA said, "Livestock acts as a
bank and insurance in times of urgent financial needs of
farmers."
Mr. Adongo entreated district directors of agriculture,
farmers, students and non-governmental organisations to make
good use of the Village to improve their knowledge in
livestock production to boost the country's agriculture.
Mr. Gordon Ekekpi, Project Manager of FARMER Project,
appealed to agricultural extension officers and researchers
to collaborate with farmers to boost livestock production.
He also urged experts and stakeholders in the livestock
industry to venture into meat processing in the Northern
Region.
Mr. Ekekpi gave the assurance that the FARMER Project would
support the Village to ensure that beneficiaries of the
project derived maximum gains from the facility.
Mr. Kodwo Ennin Fynn, Farm Manager of the Pong-Tamale
Livestock Breeding, noted that poor quality livestock
breeding, poor nutrition, diseases and bad management
practices were some of the factors militating against
livestock production in the country.
GNA
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