Poultry farmers urge govt support as industry contributes 25% to agricultural GDP
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has emphasised the contribution of the poultry industry to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
According to PAN, the industry contributes over 25% to the country’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment opportunities to over 25 million Nigerians, representing about 10% of the nation’s total population.
Bello Ibrahim, a Board Member of PAN’s FCT Chapter, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, in commemoration of World Egg Day.
Ibrahim noted that Nigeria is the largest egg producer in Africa, producing over 650 million tonnes of eggs annually.
However, he lamented that poultry farmers, especially smallholders, face several challenges, including high costs of feed and day-old chicks, poor access to finance, and inadequate government support.
“For anyone to feel the impact of the drop in maize prices, they need to have at least 8,000 layers to produce their own feed. This remains a major challenge for most farmers in the FCT, who make up about 60 per cent of poultry producers,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that large-scale producers determine market prices because of their access to cheaper feed production inputs, putting small farmers at a disadvantage.
He urged the government to provide support to poultry farmers by reducing the cost of production inputs, providing credit facilities, and creating access to markets.
“If the cost of feed can reflect the current market reality, it will reduce the cost of production for small farmers and lead to lower egg prices for consumers,” he added.
Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of World Egg Day in promoting awareness about the nutritional and economic importance of eggs.
“Given the current economic situation, eggs remain the cheapest source of protein available. With between N150 and N200, anyone can buy an egg,” he said.
Former PAN Chairman, Chima Wilson, also highlighted the importance of eggs in promoting health and nutrition.
“Eggs may appear small, but they contain essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, E, and B-complex, which are crucial for healthy living,” Wilson said.
Wilson urged governments at all levels to support poultry farmers by reducing the cost of production inputs, providing credit facilities, and creating access to markets.
“Government can assist by offering grants or purchasing eggs from farmers for use in schools, orphanages, and vulnerable communities. This will encourage farmers to continue production,” he said.
Wilson also appealed for tax reliefs and incentives for poultry farmers to sustain the industry’s growth and ensure food security.
