The weekly edition of Agric-Discussion on AGRIGENS MEDIA featured an insightful discussion on the establishment, mandate and services of Marapan Veterinary Services, a veterinary store created to improve access to quality livestock medications and veterinary care for farmers in Kwara State.
The guest on the programme was the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kwara State Chapter, Abdullahi Ishola Abdul-Gafar, who shed light on the vision behind the veterinary outlet and its importance to livestock farmers.
Speaking during the programme, Abdullahi explained that Marapan Veterinary Services is a product of the Maraba Progressive Cooperative Society, established to address the challenges faced by livestock farmers, particularly the rising cost of medications and veterinary supplies.
According to him, the Poultry Association of Nigeria is a non-profit organization primarily committed to promoting the welfare and development of its members. He noted that the idea of establishing the veterinary store was conceived after members consistently raised concerns about the high prices of livestock medications, vaccines and veterinary products.
“The veterinary store was established to help reduce the burden of accessing quality medications at affordable prices. It is part of our commitment to supporting livestock farmers and ensuring sustainable livestock production,” he said.
Abdullahi further clarified that although the store was initiated through the cooperative efforts and seed capital contributions of PAN members, its services are not restricted to members alone. He emphasized that the general public can also patronize the store and enjoy access to genuine veterinary products and professional services.
However, he disclosed that members of the association enjoy discounted prices on products because the establishment was funded through their collective contributions under the cooperative society.
The PAN PRO also highlighted that Marapan Veterinary Services caters to a wide range of livestock enterprises beyond poultry production. He said the store stocks medications, vaccines, supplements and other veterinary products for ruminants, swine, fish, pets, and other livestock species.
“We are not limited to poultry alone. We provide veterinary products and services for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, fish, pets and other livestock. Our goal is to become a one-stop veterinary service center for all livestock farmers,” he stated.
In addition to the availability of medications and vaccines, Abdullahi revealed that the facility offers diagnostic services to help farmers accurately identify disease conditions affecting their animals before treatment. He noted that qualified veterinary professionals are always available at the center to provide expert advice and guide farmers on proper disease management and livestock health practices.
He added that farmers have access to a wide range of vaccines and veterinary products that meet industry standards, ensuring improved animal health and productivity.
The guest encouraged livestock farmers, especially poultry producers, to take advantage of the services provided by Marapan Veterinary Services. He also urged poultry farmers who are yet to join the Poultry Association of Nigeria to become members in order to benefit from the numerous opportunities, welfare packages and discounts available through the association.
He expressed optimism that the establishment would significantly contribute to improving livestock production, reducing losses caused by diseases and enhancing food security in Kwara State and beyond.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of cooperative-driven initiatives in addressing challenges within the agricultural sector and demonstrated how stakeholders can work together to provide practical solutions that support farmers and strengthen livestock value chains.
