BINTULU: Efforts to empower rural communities in the field of agriculture continue to be intensified through the organisation of the Poultry Farming Management Course by Putra Agricultural Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB), recently.
The one-day course attracted 21 participants from various districts across Sarawak including Bintulu, Kuching, Kapit, Sibu, Kota Samarahan, Dalat, Mukah, Roban, Debak, Betong, and Niah, Miri.
Interestingly, a married couple from the Philippines working in Brunei also took part, reflecting the course’s appeal that crosses national borders.
In its statement, UPMKB said the course is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills of local communities in poultry farming in a knowledgeable, systematic, and competitive manner.
The programme was conducted by Senior Agriculture Officer of Putra Agricultural Centre UPMKB, Dr Carlina Freddie Simol @ Rachellynna, who served as the coordinator and main speaker.
The course content included theoretical exposure on the basics of poultry farming such as coop requirements, poultry health care, efficient preparation of animal feed, as well as techniques in daily management and harvest.
“Classroom training alone is not sufficient. Therefore, practical sessions were also included to provide real-life exposure to participants,” said Carlina, who emphasised the importance of combining knowledge and hands-on skills to initiate sustainable poultry farming.
The practical sessions, led by Putra Agricultural Centre UPMKB staff Jega Jantai and Yusri Drahman, also included demonstrations on selecting eggs for hatching, beak trimming techniques, and vaccination methods – all crucial aspects in ensuring livestock health and productivity.
The organisation of this programme reflects UPMKB’s ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge-based agricultural development, while also opening opportunities for rural communities to view poultry farming as a sustainable economic source.
