Akufo-Addo Flaunts “Ancient” Darko Farms As New 1d1f Initiative

President Akufo-Addo on Saturday visited the largest private poultry farm in the country, Darko Farms, taking along the media which later reported that this farm which has been in existence for decades, is an initiative under the one district, one factory (1d1f) program.

The President visited with an entourage that included Agric Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto.

Darko Farms has been in existence since the 90s, with its owner, Mr. Kwabena Darko, in the past, running for President with chicken as his party’s symbol.

Mr. Akufo-Addo who had advertised the 1d1f in opposition as an initiative under which he would build a brand new factory in each of the 216 districts, and therefore, technically, Darko Farms does not qualify as such.

In 2017, the government gave GH¢22.1 million loans through the EXIM Bank to the farm and according to reports, the money has since been a shot in the arm for the farm.

The company has upgraded its plant and equipment, retooled its hatchery, feed mill and processing facility.

The company has also established an out-grower scheme, in which third-party poultry farmers are supported with broiler chicks, feed as well as technical assistance to breed their birds.

Darko Farms has a processing plant operating at 10,000 birds per day with one shift, and 20,000 birds per day with two shifts. 

The farm’s hatchery has the capacity to produce 6-million-day-old chicks a year, breeder farms with a bird population of about 30,000 per batch, a layer farm with a capacity of 100,000 per batch, and commercial broiler farms with a capacity of 350,000 birds per cycle of 8 weeks.

In addition, the company has a feed mill with an installed capacity of 96 metric tons of feed per day, and a storage cold room of 500 metric tons.

According to reports, Darko Farms is currently engaged in negotiations with the Mohinani Group to become the major local supplier of processed chicken for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant chain.

Reportedly KFC has indicated its preparedness to off-take 100,000 birds monthly from Darko Farms.