UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By Peter Agengre
Did you know that by rearing ostrich you could have more cash stashed in the bank? It has emerged that Ostrich farming is a lucrative business to venture into. You’re about to learn some incredible stuff from our correspondent Peter Agengre about how the only ostrich farm is thriving in the Upper East Region.
Mr. Sule’s ostrich farm was started between 2016 and 2017 with six birds. But at the moment only two are available when when you visit. Sule told GBC News that they are fed on grains, cereals and other vegetables daily.
“You can give them maize chopped into pieces, groundnut, and all other cereals. Even cabbage and bean leaves they can feed on it. So their feed is not that difficult to get. But they eat a lot.” Sule explained.
An ostrich is a flightless bird. It is the largest feathered creature on the planet, and holds many records. Ostriches are not only fascinating animals but also provide a range of useful products. The meat, eggs, feathers, leather, oil, and manure are all valuable commodities that are used in a variety of industries.
To venture into the rearing of ostriches, a number of boxes must be checked. First, would be a large plot of land to construct the farm. Next, shade is provided to ensure a conducive environment for their survival. Most ostriches lay between 40 to sixty eggs in a year and one egg is equivalent to thirty guinea fowl eggs.
Some Ostriches in a farm
“Ostriches do not like heat and so you need to plant trees and raise a shed to provide shade for them. As you can see around, that’s why there are many trees around. Their eggs are also very expensive.” He said.
The Regional Animal Production Officer Esther Agumah explained how lucrative it is to own an ostrich farm. To commemorate the National Farmers Day, she encouraged the youth to venture into establishing an ostrich farm.
A very strong and healthy ostrich according to Sule can sell at Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis or more. So, if you have the capital, you can equally venture into ostrich rearing and you will applaud yourself for that decision.
