The Animal
Health and Production Services recently held a three-day training in Somita,
West Coast Region, for auxiliary farmers on poultry production.
Speaking at the forum, Ebrima Sonko, deputy director of Animal Health and Production Services, said the training was meant to boost the capacity of auxiliary farmers on poultry keeping techniques to increase their income and nutritional development.
He underscored the importance his department attaches to enhancing capacity of service providers to improve animal health and protection.
According to him, the training of village-based farmers on poultry production would contribute to effective service delivery, citing promoting early detection, warning and action.
He said the strategy is in line with the department’s commitment and effective response on disease-control strategy.
Mr Sonko lauded Livestock and Horticulture Development Project (LHDP) for complementing the Department of Animal Health and Production’s efforts in human resource development.
It would enhance effective response and treatment, he said, adding that a similar training was to be held in Mamud Fana on small ruminant production in Central River Region South and pig production in Brikama.
Ebrima Gaye, lead trainer on poultry, noted that the training would contribute immensely to government’s quest of zero ban on importation of poultry products, saying farmers would be able to provide the right products in the market.
The concept is to promote commercial poultry production to contribute to food security and enhance income of farmers, he stated.
Momodou Darboe, NBR Regional Livestock Officer, lauded the efforts of farmers in North Bank Region for their solidarity and commitment to poultry production.
The NBR Livestock boss noted that capacity development is crucial in the attainment of promoting quality production and timely treatment.
The training focused on proper housing, right feed, and identified disease and vaccination of poultry birds.
