By Amarachi Michael
Ebonyi Government has embarked on campaign to boost the local production and usage of animal feeds in the state.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Stephen Odoh, said that the campaign is aimed at encouraging Ebonyi people to use locally-produced animal feeds to encourage producers and boost patronage.
Odoh, made the disclosure in Abakaliki during an interactive session with stakeholders on the production and usage of animal feeds in the state.
He urge Ebonyians not to purchase animal feeds outside the state because patronising the local producers would create more jobs and reduce poverty.
“When production increases, capacity will also increase and it is pertinent to note that we had a fruitful engagement.
“We had in attendance, feed producers, poultry, piggery and fishery farmers, among other stakeholders,” Odoh said.
He said that to achieve the desired aim, relevant committees were inaugurated and relevant information verified.
“We also solicited more facts to ensure that our farmers are supported to grow and create market for the products of those involved in feed production,” Odoh said.
According to him, the campaign would not be affected by the political transition, considering that the incoming administration in the state was part of the incumbent one.
“People should not be afraid because whoever comes on board will continue to promote what we are doing,” he said.
The Chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area, Chief Ogodoali Nome, urged farmers to cooperate in enhancing their businesses and well-being.
“Many farmers plant, harvest, process and package their products but people prefer to buy such products from Enugu and other states.
“How do we convince our people that products, such as animal feeds which they buy in Enugu, among other places, are in Ebonyi?”, he asked.
He encouraged farmers to always ensure that off-takers are available to buy off their produce, adding that they should also place emphasis on keeping farm records.
The Head, Nigerian Export Promotion Council in Ebonyi, Mr Emmanuel Unanam, said the organisation would continue to support steps to enhance the patronage of locally-produced goods.
“We will continue our enlightenment programmes on patronage of home-made goods because this is a veritable way of enhancing the economy of states and the nation,” Unanam said.
An animal feed producer, Mrs Tina Ifedi, thanked the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for organising the programme.
Ifedi, however, called for more government support to aid production.
