The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called on the Federal Government to address the rising cost of poultry feed, a major challenge hindering the growth of the poultry industry.
Speaking at the 13th Nigeria Poultry Show held in Abeokuta, Dr. Olalekan Odunsi, Chairman of the organizing committee, stressed the impact of rising feed costs on the sector’s sustainability.
The Show titled, ‘Adapting to Economic Realities: Innovative Approaches to Poultry Production Amidst Raw Material Deficit,’ underscored the importance of the poultry industry, noting its contribution to food security, employment, and economic stability in the country.
“The poultry industry is a vital contributor to Nigeria’s food security, employment, and economy. However, the challenges we face, especially the rising cost of feed, are seriously hindering our growth.”Odunsi lamented.
In his keynote address, Dr. Joe Dada, Chairman of the Board of Livestock Feeds Plc, urged the government to support the agricultural sector to ensure food security.
He also encouraged poultry farmers to embrace new technologies to improve efficiency and profitability.
“These new technological innovations in agribusiness value chains have been instrumental in promoting innovative solutions that improve farmers’ profitability and sustainability with a focus on technology-driven optimization and capacity building,” Dada added.
Rev. Gideon Oluleye, Chairman of the South-West zone of PAN, explained that the show was aimed at finding solutions to the industry’s challenges.
He called on the government to increase funding for agriculture, particularly the poultry subsector, and to create market opportunities through initiatives like the school feeding program.
“The government should channel more resources into agriculture, especially the poultry sector, and support farmers through initiatives like the school feeding program,” Oluleye said.
He added, “The poultry sector has faced many challenges due to the inflationary situation of our economy. However, we want to urge you (farmers) to persevere in your various businesses as things will change for the better soon.”
Mr. Sunday Ezeobiora, the association’s National President, represented by Onu Izuo Lisa, Vice President of the South-East zone, also expressed concerns about the high cost of production, inadequate funding, infrastructure, and marketing challenges facing the poultry industry.