The elimination of fuel subsidies, according to the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), has resulted in a loss of over five billion Naira and the closure of more than 127 poultry farms.
Musa Hakeem, the Federal Capital Territory Chapter Secretary of PAN, revealed this over the weekend while chatting with journalists during the World Egg Day celebration in Abuja.
He mentioned that besides currency fluctuations and a ban on importing maize and soybeans, other variables also played a role in the loss.
Other difficulties facing the industry, according to Hakeem, are the prevalence of diseases, a lack of loan options, excessive feed costs, and subpar chicks.
“We call on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to carry PAN along in the ministry’s ‘Home Grown School Feeding programme in the area of egg supply.
”This collaboration will create wealth and employment along the supply chain, “he said.
“World Egg Day is an opportunity to make everyone aware that eggs are excellent, cheapest sources of high-quality nutrients.
“Egg has socio-economic roles which include means of livelihood, achieving a certain level of economic independence, meeting human needs for dietary animal protein supply.
“It also enhanced investment and security against risks for small-scale poultry farmers”.