the move will enhance animal protein consumption in the state
Simeon Oziri, the federal director of agriculture in Abia State, says the federal government plans to begin the promotion of piggery value chain in the state by 2013.
Speaking to the media in Umuahia on Monday, Oziri explained that the move would enhance animal protein consumption in the state.
He said there was the need to increase the quantum of animal protein in the state, noting that Abia had “not really done well in goat and sheep production“.
According to the director, the Federal Government had ordered the enumeration of pig farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.
“The response has been impressive and it is our hope that this type of massive turnout of pig farmers will sustain the programme,” he said.
Oziri said that the Federal Government wanted to leverage on the potential of the state in pig production and marketing, to increase animal protein in the state.
“The pig market in Abia has been massive and lucrative, as this has provided employment for the people,? he said.
According to him, Abia is one of the states that provide the largest market for pig meat.
“That is why the Federal Government wanted to add value to what is already on ground in order to boost the potential of pig farmers,” he said.
“Pig meat is one of the best meats you can think of, and it has actually been a hot cake in Abia.”
Oziri said that pig was a veritable source of animal protein, adding that it was wrong to discriminate against it on the basis of religion.
“By the time the empowerment of pig farmers commences in 2013, the people will be better for it.”
