Piggery
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The National President of Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Prof. Akinyele Adesehinwa says pig production is highly profitable and can boost Nigeria’s economy if supported.
Adesehinwa made the remark during a courtesy visit of the PFAN National Executive council to the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), Ibadan, Prof. James Adediran, on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said that pig production presented a medium for eradicating poverty and creating employment opportunities in the country.
The president added that pigs were highly prolific as they could easily convert feed and other agro-bio products to edible meat or pork, adding that they were also easy to manage.
“Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, there is increase in the demand of pig in Nigeria presently, this is because of the increase in consumption of pork coupled with increasing in population.
“This presents a huge potential for profitable pig production business, we enjoin people, farmers and even youths to engage in it.
“Pig production will take a new turn in Nigeria as the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has promised their support to promote the pig value chain,” he said.
Adesehinwa commended the institute for its support and contribution to the advancement of pig production and agricultural development in the country.
He further sought for continued support for pig farmers in the area of nutrition, reproduction, breeding and other management aspects of pig production through research and training.
Responding, Adediran said the institute supported pig farmers through research, innovations, training and making its facilities available for their meetings and conferences.
According to him, the institute built the first artificial insemination center and boar stud in Nigeria primarily for the benefit of pig farmers for genetic improvement of their stock through artificial insemination.
He reiterated that the institute would not relent in its efforts at promoting the pig value chain.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the courtesy visit preceded the first national executive council meeting of PFAN after the inauguration of its national executive council by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on Nov. 20 in Abuja. (NAN)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Grace Yussuf