OVER 500 small and medium scale poultry farmers from Busoga region have been trained in poultry farming as a business. The training was organized by Mr Johnson Basangwa, a large scale layer Poultry Farmer and in collaboration with leading Busoga One radio station presenters as a means to alleviate poverty in the region.

Dr Mukisa Jesse Mutesasira in partnership with Jeka Poultry Farm in Kamuli District, conducted the training early this month.  Jeka Poulty Farm has up to 70,000 layer birds.

The training focussed on quality poultry production to meet international standards (SPS) and also produce quality poultry products for the local market. This in order to ensure food security and safety for the increasing human population.

Emphasis was also put on farm biosecurity measures and practices as a means to reduce treatment and improve animal welfare.

Lessons were shared on how to raise productivty by rational feeding, proper record keeping, brooder management without compromising with quality as per the poultry requirements. This to foster forexport promotion of poultry and poultry products within the EAC and other regions and enable farmers tap into the lucrative markets.

“Proper farm biosecurity reduces treatment costs, improves animal welfare and boosts productivity on additional to improving public health due to reduced food hazards in the poultry rearing chain. We need to emphasize investment in it  in case we are to commercialize livestock farming –  and small holder farmers matter,” said Dr Mutesasira