The department of livestock production has urged farmers in Lugari Sub County to embrace pig farming in order to increase sources of livelihood as well as better their living standards.
Speaking to West Media in his office, Lugari Sub County Animal Production Officer Mr. Zachariah Mwaniki, voiced his regrets about the small number of pigs being reared by very few farmers in the Sub County yet the area had the requisite climate and environment conditions that favor pig farming.
Mwaniki attributed this problem to sheer ignorance but at the same time urged farmers in the district to seek vital information, especially on nutritional and economic values found in pigs.
The officer said that pig farming had been identified as one of the modern farming methods in the agribusiness sector that require little in terms of capital investment with its ability to accrue huge profit margins within shorter periods of time.
“Pig production is one of the highly rated income generating farming activities the world over, yet it is regrettable farmers in Lugari have not embraced it,” observed Mwaniki who blamed ignorance and attitude for the same.
Mwaniki encouraged farmers in the area to change the traditional and negative attitude toward pigs and instead begin rearing the animals on their farms in large numbers.
“The cost of pig production, for instance in terms of space, feeds and veterinary services, is extremely low compared to production of other domestic animals and birds,” noted Mwaniki, adding unlike other animals, pigs mostly feed on locally available stuff such as rotten
maize.
Enumerating some of the benefits associated with this type of livestock production, Mwaniki disclosed female pigs are able to give birth up to three times in a year.
“The American Landrace type of pig can deliver up to 16 piglets in a single birth, while the Large White type delivers up to 10 piglets,” added Mwaniki.
He further said a mature pig can fetch an average of Kshs. 20,000.
The official revealed his department would soon implement an awareness programme whose main objective will be to sensitize local farmers on the significance of pig production.
