The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ogun Chapter (PANOG) has sought the support of Gov. Dapo Abiodun in order to revive the poultry business in the state.
Mr Idowu Asenuga, the State Chairman of PANOG, stated this while speaking at a peaceful rally in Abeokuta over the state of the industry in Ogun state.
He noted that the state faced challenges as the largest producers of poultry in the nation , saying that the state must take to the forefront in tackling this problem sustainably.
He stated that the association believed it could overcome the challenges with the quality and capacity of the governor , saying that adequate attention should be given to the state of the sector.
He urged the state government to call immediately a stakeholder meeting with all value chain participants within the poultry industry to look at the challenges of the industry.
The PANOG chairman noted that the industry was essential in contributing to food security, saying it remained the backbone of all diets involving chicken and eggs.
Asenuga explained that the present economic and political climate threatened the sustainable production of these food items through a chronic unavailability of Maize.
” Maize also known as corn, accounts for over 55% of the composition of poultry feed as it is one of the most efficient sources of energy for all livestock.
” That is no longer the case today as its price has shot up by over 300% in under 9 months owing largely to the level of insecurity in arable lands, low crop yield, speculative procurement (hoarding) and the lack of post harvest infrastructure for drying and storage all which have rendered the essential commodity scarce and unavailable for industry use.
The Ogun state government needs to urgently facilitate the release of the palliative maize at subsidized rate, from the National strategic grains reserve directly to poultry farmers, through PANOG along with other stakeholders to bridge the huge supply deficit.
” The state should urgently appeal to the Federal Government to grant Maize import quota, with duty waivers to feed millers and other able organizations to meet supply gaps and bring about much needed price relief.
The government should assist in mopping up poultry products from farmers and their subsequent inclusion as palliatives for the needy, commencement and sustenance of the state school feeding programe.
Adenuga stated that the collapse of the poultry industry would mean that over 10 million jobs would be directly and indirectly lost.
“Majority of restaurants and food services would go out of business due to little or nothing nutritious to offer its patrons and food security would take multiple steps back in retrogression.
” This downward spiral is avoidable if the government takes the subject of grains planting, harvest, storage and distribution serious by putting proactive measures in place.
