POULTRY and rice farmers in Nigeria have blamed high cost of feeds and production for the skyrocketing prices of their produce.

Not only the consumers are finding it difficult at this festive period, the farmers are not finding it easy as well. 

The high cost of chicken which has skyrocketed due to the high cost of feed and the economic situation in the country could be a major burden for many Nigerians who rely on chicken and rice as staple foods during the holidays. 

The farmers called on the government to intervene as the cost of chicken could still skyrocket beyond what a common man could afford. 

Sulaiman Taofeek, CEO Stoa Farms, Ikorodu in his view said that the affordability of poultry products for Nigerians this yuletide season is a pressing concern. 

He said that with the high cost of feed and the country’s economic situation, many poultry farmers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. 

“In fact, some farmers have even shut down their farms due to the high cost of feed and other essential inputs. This could lead to a shortage of chicken during the festive period, making it even more expensive for consumers.” 

He however said that it is worth noting that the Nigerian government’s decision to close the borders has had a positive impact on the local poultry industry. 

Prior to the closure, about 70 percent of the poultry meat consumed in Nigeria was smuggled into the country. But with the borders closed, local farmers have been able to produce more, and the sector has even created many jobs. 

Taofeek noted that despite the progress, the current challenges facing the poultry industry could still make it difficult for Nigerians to afford poultry products this yuletide season. 

“Patronage at Ikorodu for instance has not been encouraging, compared to this time of previous years. We however hope demand will increase as we approach the epicenter of the Yuletide.” 

Sunday Ezeobiora, the National President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) said that the cost of poultry products are still cheaper than other proteins in the market within this yuletide. 

He said that the major challenge is low demand because Nigerians are passing through economic hardship, for that reason people are prioritizing what they buy or eat. 

“You know there is a difference between need and want. Because of the poor economy people see meat and protein as want and not need.” 

Iyiola Mojeed, the Chairman PAN Lagos in his view said that the period is the season of poultry and its products. 

He said that truly the feeds are extremely expensive and that this directly makes the products relatively scarce making it out of reach to common man. 

“Imagine an old layer that had laid for almost a year being sold at N10k in the market, broilers go for a minimum of N25k upward, talk less of Turkey ranges from N75000 upward. 

He appealed to the government to come to the aid of the farmers, that the livestock sector contributes nothing less than 25 per cent to the GDP of the country, having almost the same percentage in terms of employment opportunities. 

He said that the sector should be adequately protected from total collapse. 

Godwin Egbebe, a national official of PAN in his view said that last year when he was interviewed in one of the TV stations, he said families will have to share one chicken for the yuletide. 

He said that this year, many families will not be able to buy poultry products. 

Egbebe called on the government to subsidize poultry products to enable families to eat chicken and turkeys, this yuletide. 

In the same vein, Dr. Biodun Onalaja, the Chairman and CEO of Hyst Global Business Limited, Producer of Okun Rice while speaking on the availability of affordable rice during the yuletide said that having rice at a reduced or affordable price this yuletide can only be possible with government intervention. 

He said that the cost of paddy rice is at a high price so also is the logistics/transportation and that the cost of energy consumption during rice milling is also on the high side. 

“All these transform into the current price of rice. The only way Nigerians can have affordable rice for this yuletide season is through government intervention. 

“We hope that the government will look at this and support farmers and millers for intervention, that is the only way out,” he added.