Livestock Expo Ended In Anambra

Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has ended its 2014 Anambra State Livestock Expo at Cana House Awka with theme Transformation Initiative in the Livestock Industry.  

The Expo afforded thousands of dealers in livestock in the state assess to manufacturers of drugs and vaccines for livestock’s and companies dealing on feeds for livestock as well as other allied company producers.

State Chairman of the NVMA Dr. Webster Okonkwo, while commending the participants for turning up in their large numbers, called for government interventions in its programmes and activities geared towards ensuring safety in livestock production and consumption.  

Dr. Okonkwo thanked all their members for making themselves available on the event and urge them to disassociate themselves from illegal activities and to report any suspicious Veterinary doctors to the office the Director, Veterinary Service Department Ministry of Agriculture, Anambra State or the nearest Police Station.

He said: "the attention of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Anambra State has been drawn to the illegal activities of certain individuals in the State who go about parading themselves as Veterinary doctors without possessing the requisite qualification spelt out by the veterinary surgeons decree of 1969". Adding that, "this serves as final warning to everyone indulging in illegal veterinary practice and other forms of quakery in the state".

Speaking on his paper ‘’Fish for all: An Essential Ingredient Of Transformation’’ the Chief Executive 0fficer/Managing Director, TEEMARTINS Aquaculture Group, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, said "most people, many times think and tend to believe that poor management is the sole problem of fish farming in Nigeria, but it is lack of planning and absence of intention to plan". 

He therefore urged farmers to plan, saying, “we must engage the customers along the fisheries value chain from beginning; planning from input supplies, actual grow-out, storage, preservation, marketing through distribution to final consumers".

On his paper entitled, A Transformation Initiative: Mr. Mike Afah, Public Relation Officer Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development noted that in Nigeria, Agriculture is the largest employer of labour.

He said :"agriculture employs up to two thirds of the total labour force contributing forty percent of GDP and provides eighty five percent of non-oil earnings. Nigeria climate is favourable for both arable and livestock production".

He further stated that the state government policy is to grow agriculture as a viable business through public private partnership and at the same time improve the production environment and the productivity of the small scale farmers. Adding that the vision of the state government is to transform the agricultural sector through a strategy that drives income growth, generates employment and transform the state into a leading player in international and global food markets.

"I must confess that the agricultural credit scheme of the ministry is very rewarding. I hereby advice every farmer to key into the scheme to be able to grow agriculture as a business. Finally, I will like to inform you that state agricultural credit facilities are also designed to assist the youths to become self-reliant and self-employed."

"The youths should not shy away from agriculture. Every farmer should try to be in touch with the ministry of Agriculture, since it committed to put smile on the faces of farmers" he noted.

Other highlights of the event were presentation certificates to participants among others.