Kulbong Zeba, Secretary of the Poultry Farmers Association in the Upper East Region, has highlighted poultry farming as a viable solution to reduce unemployment in the region.
He encouraged young people to take the industry seriously, noting its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East show, Mr. Zeba expressed concern that while crop farming receives significant attention, poultry farming—an industry with enormous potential—is often overlooked.
“Poultry farming is a big industry. When we take it seriously, it will help to reduce the unemployment rate in the region,” he said.
He pointed out that starting a poultry business does not require substantial capital, making it accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.
However, he advised new farmers to seek guidance from industry experts to avoid costly mistakes, especially when working with limited resources.
“When you are about to start, get experts—people who have been in the industry—to give you advice and show you the way, so that you don’t struggle with the little capital you have,” he added.
Mr. Zeba also critiqued the government’s ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ initiative for neglecting livestock farming, including poultry. He believes proper government support could unlock the full potential of the poultry industry.
He emphasized that a robust poultry sector could generate jobs not only on farms but also across the entire value chain, including feed production, veterinary services, meat processing, and other related industries.
“When you visit other regions, you’ll see that poultry farmers have employed a lot of people. If we come together as a strong and vibrant industry, we can create jobs,” he stated.
Mr. Zeba urged the youth to consider poultry farming as a profitable career option, suggesting that a thriving local poultry industry could reduce reliance on imported poultry products and enhance local economic stability.