The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has revealed that more than 30% of poultry farms across the country have closed down in the last six months. This alarming trend is attributed to the high cost of operation, which has led to the skyrocketing price of eggs.
According to PAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Godwin Egbebe, the challenges in the sector have resulted in many farmers selling their cages and farms, unable to sustain the cost of operation. He urged farmers to exercise patience and not abandon the sector entirely, as the current difficulties are only a phase.
Egbebe identified the increasing cost of feed as a significant challenge, with prices rising every week. He also mentioned transportation costs as another major issue affecting the sector. The Lagos State Chairman of PAN, Mojeed Iyiola, attributed the scarcity of eggs to the closure of farms, leading to the current hike in prices.
The poultry industry is seeking sustainable solutions to these problems, rather than just palliatives. The association is calling on the government to acknowledge the severity of the situation and provide support to legitimate farmers to prevent the collapse of the sector.