Poultry farmers in Ghana’s Volta Region are intensifying efforts to combat a maize shortage that has severely impacted their operations, jeopardizing the feed supply essential for their birds’ growth.
Lawrence A. Tetteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Poultry Farmers Association (GPFA), addressed the media during a workshop to address the crisis.
He highlighted that the scarcity of maize in local markets has driven up costs, leaving thousands of poultry birds underfed and threatening the viability of 80% of poultry farms nationwide.
The GPFA has taken proactive measures to salvage the remaining 20% of farms from collapse.
The workshop in the Volta Region focused on promoting cage-free poultry farming methods as a strategy to optimize profits and enhance the quality of egg and meat production.
Tetteh urged government intervention to permit maize imports, which are essential to stabilizing the poultry industry and preventing a further economic downturn.
Dr. Daniel Abiliba, Director of the Animal Welfare League, emphasized the importance of animal welfare in poultry farming and advocated against the battery-cage system. He noted that this method restricts movement and compromises the quality of poultry products.
Echoing global trends, Dr. Abiliba underscored the necessity for Ghanaian farmers to adopt cage-free methods, which will ensure healthier and more productive poultry.
Dr Emmanuel Piiru, Programme Manager of the Animal Welfare League, highlighted the adverse effects of overcrowding in battery-cage systems, which lead to health issues and inferior product quality.
He called for prioritizing bird welfare to enhance the overall production standards of eggs and chicken.
The workshop organizers were praised for their initiative in updating the skills and knowledge of poultry farmers, which is vital for navigating the current challenges and transitioning towards sustainable farming practices.
As poultry farmers in Ghana confront the maize shortage crisis, the shift towards cage-free farming methods represents a critical step towards revitalizing the industry and ensuring long-term viability.
