New-generation farmers meet to promote pig farming

The Association of Pig Promoters in Nigeria (APPN), a group comprising new generation farmers, has held a forum to discuss ways of improving pig farming and pork production in the country.

Themed ‘Piggery: A viable tool for wealth creation’, the event, which marked the association’s first anniversary, was held at Excellence Hotel at Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

It also served as an opportunity to educate and enlighten members on the pig farming, as experts shared knowledge on relevant issues and aspects of the business.

Taiwo Jolaoso, vice chairman of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Ogun state, who delivered a discourse titled ‘Acceptable use of antibiotics’, commended the farmers for coming together to promote pig production. He noted that the forum was timely because the country has finally realised the need to focus on agriculture.

He cautioned farmers against indiscriminate use of antibiotics on animal and man, saying it could lead to antibiotics resistance.

“When resistance occurs you can no longer guarantee the safety or health of the animals,” he said. “And farmers are prone to contracting the disease since they touch and eat the meat.”

He advised young people wanting to venture into farming to acquire adequate knowledge before starting the business. This, he said, would help the farmer to make informed decisions that will yield fruitful results.

Femi Owolabi, initiator the association, recalled that the group started in 2015 as a WhatsApp forum with only four members. Thereafter, it grew to form APPN, which now comprises about 400 members from across the country.

“Pig production is a thriving business now,” he said.

“We look towards having a forum in the east of Nigeria in order to bring on board other pig farmers in there. The forum is to educate, enlighten and share knowledge of the business with young farmers.”

As tips for young people who are interested in pig production, Owolabi said: “Pig farming is a viable business for wealth creation, but anyone going into pig farming has to decide the aspect of pig farming, whether fattening or breeding or combination of both.

“Then, look at the cost implication of starting the particular aspect of the business. The person must also ensure adequate water supply to make the piggery tidy every time.

“Other factors to consider are the quality of feeds to give the animals and the level of skills of farm workers and management that look after the pigs.”

Oladipupo Shofowora, chairman of APPN, said: “Agriculture in Nigeria is taking a new dimension. That is why we have new generation of farmers like APPN coming together form a major stakeholder in pig farming and pork production in Nigeria.”

Adeniyi Adegbolahan, member of APPN’s board of trustees, used the occasion to call on state and federal government to further support pig farmers in areas of infrastructure, loans, reliable source of feeds and the development of the industry. He also presented a lecture titled ‘Feeding and health management for profitable pig production’.

Other speakers at the event were Niyi Adeleye, Lekan Ajirotutu, Sonekan Babatunde, head, quality control, laboratory, Lagos state ministry of agriculture.