Poultry Intensification Project Aims for National Self-Sufficiency in Five Years – Minister.

Accra: Dr. Bryn Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture, announced that the government's Poultry Intensification Project is designed to achieve national self-sufficiency within five years. The initiative seeks to establish major poultry anchor farmers who will support outgrower farmers to enhance production levels. Speaking at this year's National Farmers Day, the Minister emphasized the goal of producing sufficient poultry to meet domestic demand and potentially export surplus in the coming years. Currently, domestic production satisfies only five percent of the country's poultry consumption needs.According to Ghana News Agency, the project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank, under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme. With a funding allocation of $12.5 million, the scheme aims to produce approximately 2 million broiler birds annually. The Minister highlighted the health benefits of locally-produced chicken, noting its lack of additives compared to importe d alternatives, and urged Ghanaians to prefer local chicken to foster employment and increase revenue.The Minister stated that increasing domestic food production would eliminate the need for imports, citing the country's self-sufficiency in products like yam, maize, and soya. He commended farmers for their dedication and assured them of government support to advance the agriculture sector.This year's National Farmers Day, themed 'Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,' underscores the nation's commitment to adapting agricultural practices to address climate change challenges. The celebration included the 40th edition of the National Agricultural Fair, Agrifest Ghana 2024, held from November 4 to 8, 2024, to showcase Ghana's agricultural heritage and promote innovation among farmers and stakeholders.