Varsity Don Urges Cut in Foreign Feed Dependence, Calls on Nigerian Govt to Support Local Farmers
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Development of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Prof Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has called for reduction in the dependence on foreign feeds, stating that Nigerian government should support to Farmers to produce local feeds.
In an interview with the Newsmen during the 67th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, titled “Crude Harvest Transformation: Waste to Wealth”, Prof Akanwa commended the Inaugural lecturer, Prof Nnamdi Anigbogu, for thoroughly researching and uncovering methods of using organic waste, such as sawdust , rice hull and others as animal feed.
Prof Akanwa noted that the discovery would help to dispel the long-held belief that waste has no value.
She noted that limited knowledge often discourages active engagement in such innovations and called on government to encourage farmers through subventions and targeted support, especially for those capable of producing animal feed locally and stressed the need to reduce dependence on foreign feeds by leveraging available research outputs to boost local production.
The lecture, she explained, clearly demonstrated the transition from waste to wealth, highlighting two research procedures used to convert waste materials into inputs for animal production.
Prof Akanwa added that with materials such as sawdust, Nigeria can now locally produce animal feed with adequate protein content to support animal growth, increase protein production, and ultimately enhance protein consumption, making feed importation unnecessary.
