Takoradi, Feb. 7, GNA- Mr. Anthony Osei-Mensah, Western Regional president of the Poultry Farmers Association has called on the government to increase taxes on imported chicken and other meat and poultry products.

He said the flooding of the local market with these foreign products, continued to have negative effects on the operations of local poultry farmers.

Mr. Osei-Mensah made the call at an end-of-year get-together of the association at Takoradi on Friday.

He noted with concern the absence of certification on day-old chicks to guarantee their safety.

"Many poultry farmers have had to closed down their businesses due to the deaths of their birds".

Mr. Osei-Mensah stressed that lack of market for local poultry products was a major problem confronting the industry.

Mr. Japhet Duga, Western Regional Manager of Afariwaa Farms, assured the farmers that the introduction of modern drugs, materials and equipment as well as training of farmers would enhance their operations. Mr. David Okine, Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) appealed to all stakeholders to stop paying lip service to the agricultural sector.

He advised the farmers to venture into turkey and ducks rearing, adding, "They are also high income yielding birds and can resist diseases".