By Mercy Okhiade
Lagos – A local farmer has called for more investment in the piggery business following an increase in demand for Pig fat for industrial use in the country.
Mr Fortune Alabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Farms Ltd, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
Alabi said that although the piggery business in Nigeria was in its internship stage, the industrial demand for pig fat was on the increase.
“Piggery business is still in its internship stage in Nigeria. Unfortunately, owing to cultural and religious concerns and influences, the production of pork is very limited, unlike in the Western nations where it is part and parcel of their local consumption.
“We only harvest pig meat in Nigeria for their fatty content which is in high demand in industries. If it is only for pork consumption, we would have been out of business long ago.
“For consumption purposes alone, the piggery business is not profitable but since industries now demand for their fat, the business is now looking up,’’ he said.
Alabi also called for more investment by local farmers in the piggery business, so as to meet up with the ever-growing demand of industries for pig fat.
“We only harvest pig meat in Nigeria for their fatty content, which is in high demand from industries.
“Presently, we are not even able to meet the supply of pig fat to these industries. We encourage more farmers to invest in pig rearing, as there is enough room for more hands to come into the sector.
“These industries use the pig fat as components in their production chain, for example in the production of margarine, sausages and other products.
“Pharmaceutical companies also use pig fat in the production of some drugs,” he told NAN.
Speaking on disease control in the business, the expert advised that it was beneficial for the farmer to procure exotic breeds over local breeds, because of their strong immune system.
“To stem the rate of infection amongst the pigs, it is advisable to wash the pigs at least once a day and to apply disinfectants to keep the environment clean.
“The local breeds are more susceptible to diseases because of their relatively low immune system, but the exotic breeds can actually go for five years without any medication and they keep producing because of their stronger immunity.
“The exotic breeds are gaining more popularity among local pig farmers, though they are more expensive than the local breeds,” Alabi said.
The farmer, however, warned against some means of fattening pigs adopted by local farmers.
“We are also concerned about the protein content of the pig feed. Pigs need a balanced diet to survive. Pigs are both omnivorous, they eat plants and flesh. Pigs virtually eat anything.
“Farmers into fattening use some medications and chemicals that may impact negatively on humans who consume pork meat.
“As much as possible, we enlighten such farmers among us to keep those medications and chemicals as minimal as possible,” he said.
(NAN)