PIG farmers attached to the Guyana Swine Producers Cooperative Society on the Essequibo coast are aiming to increase production and leapfrog the industry into great prosperity.

Mr. Vincent Collins, chairman of the Essequibo branch of the Swine Producers Cooperative Society, said the idea is to have the swine industry prosper on the Essequibo Coast. He called on farmers to work together since a lot of work will have to be done to get the industry up and running.

Collins said a piece of land would be requested from the state to set up a breeding station and a factory to produce quality feeds at low cost. Having years of experience in the swine industry, Collins said feed is the largest cost factor.

He pointed out that, to reduce the cost of feed, the society would be seeking Government’s assistance to acquire farm lands to grow corn on a large scale for the production of quality pig feed.

Several farmers who on Wednesday attended a meeting in the Regional Boardroom at Anna Regina said market for their produce is very important, but Mr. Collins pointed out that markets would become available as the industry moves forward. He, however, warned that the quality and quantity of the market must be sustained.

Farmers also called for slaughter houses and cold storage trucks so meat can be transported fresh to Georgetown for export. A call was also made for tools to be made available at low cost to pig farmers.

Secretary of the Cooperative Society is Mr. Lionel Boodram, and treasurer is Ms. Venita Singh.