By Micheal Erinosho
Poultry Association of Nigeria (PANOG), Ogun chapter, has expressed concern over the rising cost of maize and other input of poultry feed in both the state and the country at large.
The Chairman of the association, Mrs Blessing Alawode , stated this while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Alawode hinted that the poultry industry was under siege as the industry might experience bankrupt if care was not taking.
She explained that as at March 2020, the price of maize was N90,000 to N97,000 per metric ton which as at today is now scarce , adding that Soya Bean Meal (SBM) and other protein sources are also experiencing significant increase in prices greater than or equal to 22%.
She, therefore, appealed to the state government to as a matter of urgency organise farmers group just like her counter part in Lagos.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the Ogun state government through the Ministry of Agriculture to alleviate the plight of farmers by releasing some grains (maize, sorghum, Soya beans) to the organized farmer’s group just like her counterpart in Lagos has done as this has the capability to force the price down a bit.
“At the national level, we are appealing to the federal government through the various ministries, department and agencies to support the poultry industry and prevent huge set-back being recorded in the agriculture sector across the nation.
“Approving the immediate release of grains from grain reserve to cushion the effect of this scarcity and help reduce price.
“Approving as a matter of urgency structures importation windows (sea and land) for maize and soya bean meal to support the poultry industry as it is obvious that our grain/crop farmers cannot sustain our yearly requirements.
“Give a delibrate attention to the poultry industry in the many intervention programs of the federal government through the central Bank of Nigeria.
“Engaging in other activities that will promote the livestock sub-sector with the employment potentials in Nigeria,” she said.
