A Livestock Demonstration Village, established at Pong-Tamale for the training of farmers and students of the Pong-Tamale Veterinary Training College in animal production, was on Thursday commissioned. The Farmer Extension Research Project Responsive Mechanism (FARMER Project) sponsored the scheme with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). The 132 million cedis one-hectare square facility will also assist in the practical training of students of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Training College to acquaint them with new livestock breed imported into the country from Mali and Burkina Faso. Livestock farmers, particularly those from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions, were expected to acquire practical training from the Demonstration Village for improved production of livestock. Mr. Sylvester Adongo, Northern Regional Director of MOFA, commissioning the Demonstration Village, noted that livestock production was an important aspect of agricultural development, which required adequate resources to help improve the country's economy. He observed that livestock provided food security including animal protein and created employment for the people, especially those in the rural areas. The Regional Director of MOFA said, "Livestock acts as a bank and insurance in times of urgent financial needs of farmers." Mr. Adongo entreated district directors of agriculture, farmers, students and non-governmental organisations to make good use of the Village to improve their knowledge in livestock production to boost the country's agriculture. Mr. Gordon Ekekpi, Project Manager of FARMER Project, appealed to agricultural extension officers and researchers to collaborate with farmers to boost livestock production. He also urged experts and stakeholders in the livestock industry to venture into meat processing in the Northern Region. Mr. Ekekpi gave the assurance that the FARMER Project would support the Village to ensure that beneficiaries of the project derived maximum gains from the facility. Mr. Kodwo Ennin Fynn, Farm Manager of the Pong-Tamale Livestock Breeding, noted that poor quality livestock breeding, poor nutrition, diseases and bad management practices were some of the factors militating against livestock production in the country. Source: GNA