Edward Ansah, an agripreneur in the Asene Manso Akroso District of the Eastern Region, has appealed to the government to establish a poultry processing plant. This facility would address significant marketing challenges faced by local poultry farmers. It would also provide a ready market for their produce, making poultry farming more attractive to young people.
Mr. Ansah, a beneficiary of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative, currently manages 15,000 birds at G.F. Farms in Manso. He highlighted that consumers often prefer processed poultry meat from cold stores over live birds. This preference creates a substantial hurdle for farmers trying to sell their produce directly. A processing plant would bridge this gap, allowing local farmers to meet consumer demand for processed products.
This appeal comes as Ghana continues efforts to bolster its agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imports. The establishment of such a facility aligns with broader national goals of improving food security and creating local employment. It would also complement existing government initiatives aimed at increasing local poultry production.
Speaking to the media in Manso, Mr. Ansah stated, “Marketing is difficult because consumers prefer the already prepared meat at the cold stores to the live chickens.” He emphasized that a processing and distribution facility would create a sustainable market for locally produced poultry. This would encourage more young people to enter poultry farming, addressing unemployment in the area.
The proposed processing plant is seen as a vital matching investment to sustain initiatives like Nkoko Nkitinkiti. This program supports farmers through grants for equipment, feed, vaccines, and technical training. Mr. Ansah acknowledged the government's support through the Poultry Intensification Scheme and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture's Feed Ghana Programme. He also mentioned the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme as beneficial.
However, Mr. Ansah also appealed for the timely payment of grants to beneficiaries. Prompt payments are essential for farmers to plan effectively and maintain their farming activities. Delayed payments can disrupt operations and undermine the effectiveness of government support programs.
The establishment of a poultry processing facility would strengthen the entire poultry value chain. It would connect production directly to processing and distribution. This integration is crucial for reducing Ghana's high broiler import bill, which currently drains significant foreign exchange. Investing in local processing infrastructure would keep more value within the Ghanaian economy.
This development is critical for the Eastern Region's economic growth and the national agricultural agenda. It underscores the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support local industries. The government's response to this appeal could significantly impact the livelihoods of many poultry farmers and the overall poultry sector.
The call for a processing plant reflects a broader trend of farmers seeking better market access and value addition for their produce. Without adequate processing facilities, local farmers struggle to compete with imported processed poultry. This initiative would empower local producers and contribute to a more resilient food system in Ghana.