Selected farmers across the Ashanti Region have gathered in Kumasi for a two-day workshop to discuss ways of growing the poultry industry to enhance its contribution to the economy.

Budgeting, general farm housing, sanitation and feed management took centre stage.

The programme was organized with support from the Council for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (COVET) under its skills development fund.

“Biosecurity and farm management for increased productivity” was the theme and it comes amid reported disease attack on farms, low production and rising cost of feeds and inputs.

Dr. Michael Boateng, COVET Projects Coordinator, called for timely removal of suspected disease-infected birds, maintenance of acceptable standards of hygiene and to ensure proper disposal of litter including dead birds.

They should thoroughly clean and disinfect the farms before the start of any new production cycle.

He said that was necessary to significantly reduce the emission of powerful stench, which tended to pollute the air.

Mr. Victor Oppong-Adjei, National Chairman of the Poultry Farmers’ Association, underlined the need to adopt best practices to avoid the spread of diseases.

They should also keep proper books to enable them to qualify for credit to expand their businesses.

Alhaji Issah Buckman, the Regional Chairman of the Association, hailed the government for efforts at helping to make the industry to operate optimally.