POULTRY FARMERS APPEAL FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AS RISING COSTS THREATEN BUSINESSES

The Chairperson of the Bono East Poultry Farmers Association, Rev. Rose Lydia Donkor, has appealed to the government to provide stronger financial and logistical support to poultry farmers to help sustain the industry and reduce unemployment. Speaking on the *Ghana Nti Morning Show, with morning show host, Nhyiraba Asirifi, Rev. Rose Lydia Donkor* said poultry farming has become increasingly expensive, with farmers struggling to cope with rising feed and production costs while demand for eggs and chickens remains low. According to her, the price of poultry feed and other inputs has increased significantly, despite fluctuations in the exchange rate. She said farmers are finding it difficult to pay workers and maintain their farms because the revenue generated from the sale of eggs and birds is often insufficient to cover production costs. Rev. Donkor explained that the situation has become particularly difficult this year, contrasting it with the previous year when chicken sales were more favourable. She noted that while some farmers were previously able to sell hundreds of birds, sales have declined considerably, leaving many farmers with unsold birds. She also disclosed that some farmers have tried processing and supplying dressed chicken to restaurants, but the response from some businesses has been disappointing. On the government's poultry support initiative, Rev. Donkor welcomed the vision but appealed for the programme to place greater emphasis on existing poultry farmers. She argued that providing farmers with larger quantities of birds, such as 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000, together with the necessary support, could enable them to expand production and employ more people. She said if poultry farmers are given adequate capital and resources, they can employ additional workers, thereby contributing to the government's efforts to reduce unemployment. Rev. Donkor further appealed to the government to consider supporting farmers with at least 1,000 birds as a starting point, explaining that even a relatively small allocation could help farmers rebuild their businesses. She emphasised that poultry farmers are ready to work with the government and can either sell the birds or process them for consumption, provided they receive the necessary support. “Poultry farming is expensive; without enough capital, it is difficult to sustain the business,” she stated. Rev. Donkor, who said she has been involved in poultry farming for about 20 years, disclosed that she was named the Best Farmer in her municipality in 2012, demonstrating her long-standing experience in the sector. She concluded by urging government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen support for poultry farmers, saying that investing in the industry could help improve food production, create jobs and reduce unemployment among young people.