Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A), Sept. 21, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) is to construct a two-billion-cedi modern veterinary laboratory at Dormaa-Ahenkro in Brong Ahafo to cater for the fast growing poultry industry in the Dormaa District. Dormaa District is a leading producer of poultry products in the country.

Dr. Agyemang Atuahene Kontor, Dormaa District Director of MOFA, who announced this at the inauguration of a small and medium scale poultry farmers association, said the laboratory would assist the industry to meet the protein requirements of consumers.

The 25-member association, the second in the district, has "Together As One" as its motto.

Dr. Kontor commended the poultry farmers for coming together to find solutions to the numerous hazards plaguing the industry. He proposed the merger of the two associations for more administrative and operational efficiency.

The Brong-Ahafo Regional Director of MOFA, Mr R. K. Lartey, commended the poultry farmers for daring the bird flu scare and sustaining the industry.

He pledged the Ministry's unflinching support for any group of people, whose activities promoted agriculture in the region. Reacting to calls by poultry farmers for the lifting of the ban on the importation of poultry products, the regional director explained that MOFA and its partners in the prevention of the bird flu, were considering the possibility, but said the bird flu had global dimensions and required a more holistic approach.

Mr Braimah Musah, a leading poultry farmer and chairman of the association said the union's objective was to address basic problems facing members, especially owners of small poultry farms. He urged non-member poultry farmers in the district to take advantage of the association to improve their businesses. He said the association's doors were opened to all businesses linked to the poultry industry in the district.