Nbr — The Regional Agriculture Directorate of Kerewan, in the North Bank Region (NBR), recently held a two-day training for 48 poultry farmers on poultry production, feed preparation, marketing, group management and disease control. The initiative was funded by African Development Bank through the Livestock and Horticulture Development Project (LHDP).

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Saikou E. Sanyang, the NBR Agriculture director, underscored the importance of capacity development of farmers in all aspects of best farm practices, noting that it would contribute to enhancing production and improving the livelihood of farmers. He lauded the efforts of LHDP for attaching great importance in capacity development of farmers and called on farmers to be proactive in the transfer of skills and knowledge on poultry management, as such skills, he observed, would contribute to diversification.

Dr. Sanyang explained that proper management of poultry boosts nutrition, increase income and contribute to poverty reduction.He then used the opportunity to commend frontline extension workers for their steadfastness and commitment in providing technical backstopping.

The regional livestock officer, Momodou Darboe, hailed the efforts of farmers in promoting diversification and contributing to food security. He said capacity development of farmers on poultry keeping and marketing would increase poultry productions and promote sustainable livelihood. Darboe revealed that plans are on the way to boost farmers' poultry production and urged them to promote proper management and health status. He further appealed to farmers to report any suspected cases to nearest veterinary offices for advice.

Muhamed Njie, the ward councilor of Kerr Pateh; Sainabou Gaye of Sara Kunda and Haddy Jallow of Jamagen, applauded LHDP and the Regional Agriculture office for building their capacity on poultry production.