JOS – Mr Julius Gusan, the Chairman, Plateau Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), on Wednesday called on the state government to allocate a land to establish a live birds market in Jos.
Gusan made the appeal at the inauguration of new executive members of the association’s cooperative society in Jos.
He said that the market would assist the state’s bid for higher revenue generation and also shore up poultry farming.
Gusan described poultry farming as one of the largest employer of labour in the state, pointing out that the activity had absorbed thousands of youths and reduced social vices in the society.
The chairman said that the cooperative society was expected to market the products and services of poultry farmers as well as explore sources of financing for members.
“We shall also expect the cooperative society to work toward stable price control mechanisms so as to prevent ‘egg glut’ experienced during low demand.
“Eggs are a perishable product, so when not sold after a particular period, the farmers are forced to sell below their production price which makes it impossible to remain in business,” he said.
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The chairman said that the cooperative society would also help the farmers by arranging direct markets with major customers to protect the farmers from the exploitation of middle men.
“The cooperative society will ease access to veterinary doctors so as to prevent diseases and mortality rate,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the new President of the society, Mrs Laura Amanze, promised to run an open administration that would focus on ensuring a uniform price for all poultry products.
Mrs Martha Tapgun, Director, Cooperative Federation, Plateau Ministry of Commerce and Industry, called on farmers in the state not to be afraid of “starting small”.
She revealed that the state government was currently witnessing a shortage of trained cooperative staff, but assured that government was working towards addressing the situation.
“Addressing the manpower needs will enable the state to monitor the activities of all cooperative formations and the rising menace of wonder banks,” she said. (NAN)
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