Commercial poultry production hits N51.2b

In a press briefing in Abuja, Akpa stressed that as at this year, the commercial poultry production in Nigeria is estimated at about US $3.2 billion (about N51.2 billion) and is rated as the most industrialized component of the livestock sector. He said the commercial sector of the poultry sector employs over 14 million people […]

In a press briefing in Abuja, Akpa stressed that as at this year, the commercial poultry production in Nigeria is estimated at about US $3.2 billion (about N51.2 billion) and is rated as the most industrialized component of the livestock sector.
He said the commercial sector of the poultry sector employs over 14 million people directly and indirectly while the  rural family poultry has an estimated 85 million people involved in managing a total asset base of about N320 billion.
The director-general advises government to promote demands for poultry products such as ‘an egg a day’ policy for school pupils as part of the school feeding programme, adding, “there is the urgency of the government to look at the various polices that will create and trigger demands for poultry products not only for the benefit of poultry farmers but for the general well-being of Nigerians.”
 Akpa said the poultry industry in the country contributes over 25 percent of the Agriculture Domestic Products of the Nigerian economy even as it is currently facing many challenges that include high cost of maize and soya beans, which constitute about 60 percent of the plant protein source of inputs for poultry feed.
He said that is forcing many poultry farmers out of the business, adding, “poultry producers who are still in business are now operating below installed capacities and at a loss because of the high cost of basic raw materials for feeds.”
The director-general lamented over the current electricity tariff, multiple taxation, high interest rate on lending and dumping of poultry products through smuggling which, he said is responsible for all kinds of diseases with attendant depreciating life expectancy.
According to the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Malam Yusuf Ibrahim Gombe, the current security challenges and closure of borders have forced many poultry farmers out of business.
He also lamented lack of government interest in poultry which, he said contribute the largest percentage of the livestock sector to the agriculture domestic’s products of the economy.
In his remarks, the National Vice-President, North-Central of the association, Mr. Musa Gyang said the biggest challenge of poultry farmers in the geo-political zone is insecurity. He enjoined government to improve the security situation as many people are currently going out of business due to insecurity.