November 12, 2012

 
Ghana's poultry industry faces inflation challenges

Dr Mark Hanson, Director of Veterinary Service at Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agricultural, has cautioned that the inflation of poultry feed production and marketing are some of the key challenges affecting the country's poultry industry.

Dr Hanson raised the concern when a 12-member delegation met officials of the United States of America Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) to deliberate and strategise on how to improve poultry production to ensure affordable protein for the people of Ghana

The meeting formed part of an education tour to the US at the invitation of USAPEEC and the US state Embassy in Ghana.

The delegation includes six poultry and veterinary officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, a member of the Poultry Farmers Association and selected journalists.

As part of the tour the group visited farms, poultry sales outlets, hatcheries and cold store to familiarise themselves with the best practice of poultry products and deliberate on collaboration to help the industry grow.

In response to the concern, Mr James H. Sumner, President of USAPEEC, said the Council would hold discussions with some of the stakeholders to find out how Ghana could be supported mutually.

Giving the overview of the US industry, he said the sector produced about 22 million tonnes of chicken products a year with an additional three million tonnes in the same period.

He said the US remained the top broiler producer country in the world with about 22% followed by followed by China, Brazil and EU whiles Indian and Mexico produced 3.6% each.

He invited the Executive of the poultry sector to join the International Poultry Council which was formed in October 2005 to bring together poultry industry leaders from around the world to address issues of trade, science, and improved relations among nations.

He said the group had received recognition the Food and Agricultural Organisation and seeks to strengthen communication between countries, develop and implement policies for international organisations affecting the world's poultry industry and to promote a common understanding of and confidence in poultry products throughout the world.