Poultry farmers in Lokoja local government area, Kogi State, have undergone a step-down training on Business Development and Investment Planning, aimed at improving farm management practices and enhancing access to funding opportunities.
The training, held at Rehab Cluster Farm, Lokongoma Phase 1, Lokoja, was facilitated by the Local Government Extension Agent, Hajia Bilkisu Isiaka, who said the session was a follow-up to a similar workshop conducted last week.
Hajia Isiaka, while addressing the participants, emphasised the importance of proper housing in poultry farming, noting that the positioning and structure of poultry pens could significantly affect production outcomes.
“How we lay the foundation determines the end product in poultry. The pen should be built horizontally, with the long side facing the direction of the wind, and raised not more than two to three coaches from the floor,” she said.
She also underscored the need to maintain a balance between stocking density and feed cost. According to her, “The money you spend on stocking should not be more than what you budget for their feeds.”
On record keeping, the extension agent presented sample farm record templates for farmers, stressing that proper documentation was key to tracking productivity and profitability. She further advised that continuous medication was necessary to mitigate the impact of changing weather conditions on poultry health.
Speaking on the ongoing Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, Hajia Isiaka explained that profiling of poultry farmers in the area was underway and would be a continuous exercise.
“To qualify for the loan facility under the programme, farmers must have a registered business name, a CAC certificate, business records and a business plan. Once qualified, they can proceed to the bank for vetting. Collateral is also required,” she added, noting that periodic monitoring would help identify committed farmers.
During an interactive session, farmers appealed to the state government to assist them in registering their farms with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at no cost, as part of efforts to meet loan eligibility requirements.
They also called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure that the envisaged loan facility is interest-free and that the criteria for accessing it are simplified.
“We know the Governor is a listening leader. He should come to our aid and make the loan process easier for genuine farmers,” one of the participants said.
The training session ended with a good will message by the state Chairman of Kogi State Poultry Farmers, Hon. Arome Ibrahim, with a renewed commitment from both the facilitators and the farmers to continue working towards improving poultry farming standards in the state.
