From Omotolani Khabab, Ibadan
Ibadan, Jan. 12, ’25 (TNZ) The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Southwest Zone has appealed to the government for assistance, citing numerous industry challenges.
TheNewsZenith reports that the association made the appeal at a stakeholders’ forum in Ibadan, Oyo State.
PAN Chairman (Southwest) Rev. Gideon Oluleye listed challenges facing poultry farmers to include rising production costs, expensive raw materials, high duties, taxes and unfavourable policies.
While commending the government’s creation of the Ministry of Livestock, Oluleye emphasised the need for further intervention.
“We need government intervention, we need support. The government should provide a funding gap for us.
“Loan at single digit from the Central Bank, not only for farmers but also for importers of poultry raw materials.
“When we can access this loan at single digit, it will make availability of these products and the cost available within the economy.
“The prices will be regulated and farmers can buy and use,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oluleye as saying.
Some industry stakeholders, Sampson Odipe, Dr Olalekan Odunsi and Dr Alaba Towoju echoed Oluleye’s sentiments. They highlighted the sector’s significance in ensuring healthy living.
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They urged the government to regulate prices and invest in rural infrastructure.
Odipe pleaded with the government to address the problem of expensive raw materials.
“Producers would be left with no option, it’s what they buy that they will sell,” Odipe said.
Similarly,
The chairman of PAN in Osun State, Dr Alaba Towoju, described the agricultural industry in Nigeria as “depressed”.
He, therefore, called for a comprehensive plan to rescue it.
“We implore the Federal Government to come up with a master plan to rescue the poultry industry, and by extension, agric industry in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Odunsi said the government should address the problem of food scarcity.
“We are begging the Nigerian government to please come to the aid of poultry farmers, especially so that food will be on the table for every Nigerian,” Odunsi said. (TNZ)
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