Ghana imports about US$300 million worth of frozen chicken annually,the National Poultry Farmers Association of Ghana (NPFAG), has disclosed, and describes the situation as deeply worrying.
The National Chairman of the Association, Victor Oppong Adjei who said this at the launch of Afigya Kwabre Poultry Farmers Association in the Afigya Kwabre district of Ashanti region lamented why such huge amount is being given away to other countries.
He attributed this to lack of policy direction by both past and present governments as far as the agriculture industry is concerned.
Mr. Victor Oppong Adjei observed that the Brazilian government alone generates about US$265 billion as income from poultry farmers annually due to the conducive environment it has created for the farmers.
He was asked why Ghana instead of investing in agricultural industry prefers shaping and strengthening other economies.
“Why are farmers in the foreign countries richer than those in Ghana, while our lands are more fertile than they have” he quizzed.
He noted that if prudent measures are not put in place, the economy will continue to shrink since particularly due to the neglect of the agricultural sector which also happens to be one of the highest contributors to the economy.
Chairman for the Afigya Kwabre Poultry Farmers Association, John Senyah, called on government to construct at least two poultry housing in the district in order to meet the tropical production standard.
Mr. Senyah said farmers are faced with high interest rate and lack of ‘biosecurity’ measures and therefore called on government to be considerate in ensuring the reduction of interest rate.
Good work done Mr.John Senyah