Trade Ministry considers exporting poultry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry says it has a value-chain system for the poultry industry that is projected to culminate in the export of poultry from Ghana.

“But we must satisfy domestic production,” said sector minister, Haruna Iddrissu, however.

Mr Idrissu said this on Friday, July 11 in an interaction with leadership of the Ghana National Poultry Farmers Association (GNPFA).

He noted that as part of the broad scheme to improve the plight of poultry farmers in the country, the Ministry has made available up to GH¢10 million for interested groups in the industry.

“We have the capacity to develop a new value chain of the poultry farm, processing, sale, marketing and even consider exporting it ourselves,” Mr Idrissu said.

He further indicated that the Ministry will in 2015 make available a financial package targeted at increasing domestic production.

“Beginning the half quarter of 2014, we will begin disbursement of support for rice production and we will also support poultry production depending upon what is available.”

Chairman of GNPFA Kwadwo Asante raised concerns about the domestic industry, suggesting that the country needs more processing plants instead of the current two.

He disclosed that the local farmers produce 75,000 birds every week, a situation that to him is worrying as a result of 2.7 million birds imported every week.