Appeal To State, Federal Govts For Assistance
- The Daily Crucible
Poultry Association of Nigeria (PANOG) Ogun State chapter, has expressed concern over the rising cost of maize and other inputs of poultry feeds and appealed to the State and Federal Governments to lessen the burden of increased prices of poultry inputs on them.
PANOG said that the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded the situation, saying as of March 2020, the price of maize was at a high level of #90,000 to #97,000 naira per metric ton, lamenting today, maize is not even available for purchase.
The Chairman of the association, Mrs Alawode Blessing, who addressed reporters at the PANOG Secretariat, Abeokuta, said the poultry industry was under siege as it may go bankrupt if the situation was not reversed.
According to Blessing, Soya bean meal (SBM) and other protein sources are also experiencing significant increase in price by about 22%.
She appealed to the governments to organise farmers group just like her counter part in Lagos had done as it has the capacity to force the prices down.
She said: "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 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 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 concluded."
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