Mr Ikponwonsa Gabriel, a pig farmer at Oba market in Benin says pig farming has the potential of reducing unemployment and poverty because it is very profitable.
Gabriel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin that pig farming could be a money spinning business for prospective farmers if properly developed.
According to him, along with traditional business ideas, pig farming in Nigeria can play an important role in reducing unemployment, poverty and addressing lack of nutrition among others.
“By raising pigs commercially, you can both fulfill your family nutrition demands and earn some extra cash.
”Pig farming in Nigeria is becoming very popular day by day. It is a wonderful business idea and very profitable. You can get return of your total investment within a very short time.
“Pig farming is very easy and pig meat has a huge global popularity which is the main reason the business is increasing in Nigeria.
“A pig generally gives birth to piglets twice a year and each time it gives birth to 10 piglets, sometimes more. And the gestation period is not more than 115 days.
“So, you can increase to a large scale commercial production within a very short time if you start with few pigs,” he said.
Gabriel described pig farming as ”a niche and an unusual business”, adding that successful pig farmers enjoy the huge rewards.
He said that the pig farming had advantages the over other livestock farming such as cattle and goats.
According to him, the advantages include that that reproduction period of pig farming is faster and pig can convert energy into protein faster than other livestock.
Others are that pigs can survive and produce more by consuming little amount of low quality foods; they can also feed on roughage, kitchen garbage and agricultural waste.
Gabriel therefore urged the government to provide funds for vibrant young farmers to more create job opportunities. (NAN)