Invest in poultry: Officer

CHICKEN farming can help families earn money and ensure children have suitable protein to eat to enhance their growth, a livestock scientist says.
Livestock scientist from Lae, Fred Besari, looks after the livestock station at the National Agriculture Research Institute (Nari) in, Gazelle in East New Britain.
He said venturing into producing layers and broilers can sustain families in East New Britain and other provinces.
Besari said the livestock station is looking at improving breeds and was doing research on different types of chickens and cross-breeding to produce chickens with different characteristics.
He said the station was looking at growing vegetables such as corn and cassava to produce natural feed for chickens rather than spending money on feeds.
“We are now encouraging farmers to do the same, plant vegetables so that you will not waste money on stockfeed every time,” Besari said.
“We want to establish a concept in East New Britain for all schools where we will identify a farmer who can purchase layers from us and go and look after them.
“The main aim is for children in schools to eat good protein.”
He said they were working with provinces to improve food security in places affected by drought and climate change.