85 rural dwellers to benefit from agricultural programme

Over 85 farmers in Obuba, Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A, of Abia state are currently undergoing training on noiler bird production, processing and marketing.   The training, facilitated by the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha is being carried out by the federal government through the Department of Agricultural Extension, […]

Over 85 farmers in Obuba, Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A, of Abia state are currently undergoing training on noiler bird production, processing and marketing.  

The training, facilitated by the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha is being carried out by the federal government through the Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD.  

At the end of the training, which is a constituency project of the federal lawmaker, each beneficiary will get 50 pieces of day old noiler birds; 2 (50kg) bags of noiler feed; 1 sachet of Divertamin; 1 cage; drinkers and feeders.  

Speaking during the training and empowerment programme at Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Mini Stadium, Mbato Secondary School, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar represented by the Abia State FMARD Director, Engr. Victor Ihediwa disclosed that noiler birds are considered by poultry professionals to be affordable, enduring and easy to handle; and produce eggs more than the usual chickens that are native to Nigeria.  

“Poultry enterprise has been identified as an agribusiness that is capable of alleviating poverty among rural women and youth. When a youth or woman is equipped with essential skills in poultry, he or she is capable of utilising such skills to earn income, assist others and invest in the community,” he said.  

Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, who was represented by Hon. Sunny Maduako pointed out that the project was motivated by the need to address the huge unemployment challenges being faced by the constituents, and to plug the proliferation of crime due to lack of livelihood means.  

He encouraged the beneficiaries to take the programme seriously as the poultry industry is a booming one, with households, diary companies, fast food operators among others as ready customers.  

The federal lawmaker disclosed that the trainees would be provided with stipends and allowances during the two-day training.