Amo Farm to improve agricultural development and empower rural households in Oyo-Makinde
Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, has characterised Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery’s creative approach to agricultural improvement as a significant boost to the state’s agricultural development.
Makinde made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday after visiting the company’s processing factory in Akinyele and farm in Awe, both in Oyo State.
He stated that the company’s strategy was consistent with his administration’s efforts to make food available to Nigerians and enhance agricultural growth in the state.
Makinde added that the company’s empowerment and employment creation activities for rural women through chicken farming were unprecedented, helping to better their living conditions.
“I am eager to collaborate with Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery to support your efforts to make animal protein available not only in Oyo State, but throughout the country.”
“I promise to build the required infrastructure to improve cross-border distribution of agricultural products,” he stated.
Dr. Debo Akande, the Governor’s Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation, and Development, praised the company’s agricultural investment as substantial.
However, Akande urged for an effective partnership to increase the state’s contribution to the economy.
The governor’s visit, according to Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, group managing director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., presented an opportunity to explore options of partnership between the company and the state.
According to Oduntan, Amo Farm produces a million day-old chicks per week.
He revealed that the corporation intends to increase production by more than 30% year on year.
He explained that the company’s massive investment was intended to create a world-class firm with talents that would fulfil the expanding need for animal protein, which is very healthy and vital for the body.
According to him, this has inspired the corporation to empower over 1.3 million rural households through the deployment of the ingenious bird, Noiler, with a focus on women.
Noiler is a genetically modified dual-purpose chicken species that looks and tastes identical to native chickens but is disease resistant and produces four times the eggs and three times the meat.
“Like its eggs, which are extremely nutritious for people of all ages, Noiler’s meat has all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fats and cholesterol.”
“With this, we have created a firm basis that can be expanded to include the entire country and even the rest of Africa.”
“Through strategic collaborations, the company hopes to place 20 Noiler birds in 2.5 million houses by 2025,” he stated.