The flagship ‘Nkoko Nkete Nkete’ programme of the government has started distributing 10,000 birds to 200 individuals in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

The beneficiaries, who received 50 broilers each, are the first batch of the 20,000 individuals and entities, who have so far registered to take part in the initiative under the Feed Ghana programme, in the municipality.

They are expected to raise the birds within the next seven weeks into maturity for consumption and sales.

Mr Wisdom Osei Boamah, the Municipal Chief Executive, speaking during the distribution exercise at the premises of K. Asante Farms at Atwima-Agogo, where the birds were nurtured, said the programme was a four-year initiative and the birds may be increased for farmers and the other beneficiary entities in the next stages.

This initiative, he said formed part of the government’s vision to make poultry products available, accessible, and affordable to all Ghanaians.

He urged the beneficiaries to be guided by the operational guidelines from the veterinary officers to enable them to achieve the desired results and avoid losses.

The MCE commended the veterinary and other officers of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) as well as the poultry farmers for complementing the success of the programme.

Mr. Daniel Peprah, Municipal Director of Agriculture, urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the birds to prevent them from diseases and unhealthy conditions.

Nana Asante Krobea, the Farm Manager, commended the government for involving private sector, especially poultry farmers in the implementation of the programme.

He described the initiative as both private sector empowerment and job creation in the poultry industry since it added value to the products.

This, he said, could help them expand their operations and production, employ more youth, reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.