THE Agriculture Ministry will tomorrow be holding a special meeting with a number of experts in the field of poultry rearing on one of the major constraints facing the poultry industry in Guyana, namely: The availability and affordability of quality feed stock.
According to a release from the Ministry, while both production and consumption of chicken have increased this year, the poultry industry has been confronted by serious challenges.
In recent weeks, there has been a rise in the prices of stock feed from the major producer in Guyana, and this increase has been introduced without notice to farmers or to the Agriculture Ministry.
“Poultry farmers have been complaining for some time now about the cost of stock feeds. But the major complaints from farmers, particularly small farmers, have been related to the quality of stock feeds.
“Farmers have been complaining that the stock feeds being purchased do not meet the quality standards, and do not support healthy growth of their poultry”, the press release stated.
The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been investigating the quality of stock feeds on the market, and carrying out studies to determine whether the farmers’ allegations have any merit.
The GLDA has also been conducting an exercise to determine the chemical and physical composition of the stock feed.
“We are extremely grateful for the cooperation from the Guyana Poultry Association. We, however, will urge all stakeholders to support the GLDA as we try to put in place mechanisms to strengthen the poultry industry”, the press release stated.
Not all stakeholders have been cooperative, according to the press release, and the full force of the law and regulations will be utilized to ensure cooperation.
The Ministry of Agriculture will work with the Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Industry to finalize standards for stock feeds, the press release disclosed
It also stated that the Ministry will strengthen provisions to ensure certification of feed plants, and ensure quality of standards.