To this end, Abia State government says it is partnering with the federal government to make poultry farming interesting and sustainable means of livelihood for those who venture into it.

At an interactive session with newsmen in Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu revealed that the Abia State Poultry Cluster initiative will soon be fully launched for business.

The cluster which will be located in the three senatorial zones of the state is the administration's response to the need to develop interest and sustain poultry farming in Nigeria.

The poultry cluster, according to the Governor, will "bridge the observed gaps in poultry farming" with the provision of adequate facilities including veterinary care for the birds.

According to Governor Ikpeazu, "it is not only about caring for the birds, education will also be provided to the participants to enable them to have adequate knowledge concerning the business".

This he said will ensure sustainability and make Abia a major poultry village in the Southeast, and also improve the skills and interests of young ones in poultry farming.This will in turn result in the creation of jobs for young people interested in taking up agribusiness.

The Governor also hinted that his administration will soon launch the state's "cassava program" having taken into consideration, the issues and challenges around improved cassava production in the state with emphasis on the enhancement of the value chain benefits associated with cassava.

One of the advantages of the cassava program, according to the Governor, was to establish a starch processing plant where starch-based products such as noodles and pharmaceuticals will be produced in the state and hinted that the government is almost concluding plans with interested investors.

On mushroom farming, Governor Ikpeazu identified lack of storage facilities and ready sales outlets as the major challenges facing the venture.