Delta selects pig, poultry farmers for livestock development

The Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has commenced the selection of pig and poultry farmers to participate in the livestock development programmes of the state.

In a statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Paul Osahor, he explained that the programmes include: pig multiplication & farmer support program; and broiler outgrower scheme.

According to Osahor, the objectives of the programmes are to facilitate farmers’ access to critical production inputs and credit, equip farmers with modern and innovative skills required for profitable production and integrate small-scale farmers into the mainstream livestock value chain.

He said interested farmers are required to have facilities for fattening a minimum of 30 pigs for the pig multiplication and farmer support program and production of at least 1,000 broilers for the broiler outgrower scheme.

The statement added that on selection, the farmers would be given credit in form of input and cash after producing credible guarantors who must be civil servants, not below salary grade level 12 for small-scale farmers and salary grade level 15 for medium scale farmers.

Osahor added: “Interested farmers are to apply for either of the programmes by collecting application forms from the Headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources or any of the Area Offices in the 25 local council areas.”