Feed millers, under the aegis of Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN), have raised an alarm that if the Federal Government failed to immediately address the challenges facing the poultry industry, the country may soon rely on poultry products from other countries. Speaking to news correspondents, the president of the association, Raymond Isidinaso, said that the high cost of eggs, chicken, fish and other poultry products is as a result of scarcity of maize and soya beans, which are essential ingredients in the production of poultry feed.
He declared that scarcity of egg, chicken and other livestock are imminent due to unavailability and increase in the cost of maize and soya beans, which are important for livestock feed production. In the last few months, the cost of feed has been skyrocketing due to the scarcity of these products. It is important to address issues in this sector because many other sectors rely on it. For instance, the catering and confectionery industry relies on products from poultry in order to fulfill clients’ orders. When these become locally unavailable, the alternative will be to import them.
FG urged to urgently address the problems in the sector.
Because of the dire situation in which practitioners in this industry have found themselves, FIPAN has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and release grains from the nation’s reserve to alleviate their plights. The association also expressed the fear of increased unemployment if the industry fails. It noted that it contributes about forty-five percent of the nation’s labour force. Nigeria unemployment rate was pegged at 33.3 percent by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as of 2020. If the industry folds up, the rate may well rise above 60 percent.
While recommending ways to mitigate the impending food crisis, Isindinaso said FIPAN is demanding the immediate stoppage of exportation of soya bean seed and intervention on the importation of maize for livestock feeds. He urged the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, to buckle up for the challenges ahead and tackle food insecurity to guarantee food sufficiency across the country. Food insecurity in the country has been aggravated since the incidents of farmer-herder clash as well as kidnapping of farmers by bandits have increased.
Country needs 18.5 tons of grains to meet industry requirements.
According to the president, the cost of eggs and meat is going higher due to the current cost of grains. These constitute about 80 percent of the animal feed and soya makes up about 25 percent of the feed. He said that the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the agricultural industry is going down because of shortage of raw materials. The country needs about 18.5 metric tons of grains to meet industry requirement. But there is a shortage of it as the country produced only 1.7 metric tons of soya.
In his words, a short window should be opened to stakeholders to import grains to augment the daily shortage as well as to create long-lasting mechanisms of two to four years to address the challenges that the industry is facing. The association also called on the newly appointed minister of agriculture to address this issue urgently by ensuring exportation of soya and maize are reduced. The president of the association said that he is confident that those needed will listen and heed to our calls for help to revive the industry.
Addressing these problems will save SMEs from bankruptcy.
Specifically, Isindinaso said, “There should be an urgent release of between 100,000 to 200,000 metric tons of maize and sorghum from the strategic grains reserves.” Livestock farmers constitute a significant percent of the nation’s small and medium-scale enterprises. They contribute to the economy in not only ensuring food sufficiency but also employment. These businesses are a part of the pillars holding the Nigerian economy together at this moment. These businesses will be saved from shutting down and laying off workers if the problems highlighted are addressed.
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FIPAN warns of looming import-dependency. – Nigeria may soon rely on importing poultry products if problems persist. – Express your point of view.
It’s concerning to hear about the warning from FIPAN regarding the potential import-dependency of poultry products in Nigeria. If the current problems persist, it could indeed lead to a situation where Nigeria has to rely on importing poultry products. This would not only have negative implications for the local poultry industry but also impact food security and the economy as a whole.
To mitigate this potential scenario, it is crucial for Nigeria to address the underlying issues affecting the domestic poultry sector. This includes improving infrastructure, implementing effective policies, and providing support to local farmers. By investing in the poultry industry and promoting sustainable practices, Nigeria can enhance its self-sufficiency and reduce the reliance on imports.
It is essential to prioritize the development of a robust value chain for poultry production. This involves strengthening breeding programs, improving feed quality, and enhancing veterinary services. By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can boost productivity, increase the quality of locally produced poultry products, and meet the growing demand of its population.
In conclusion, the potential import-dependency of poultry products in Nigeria is a concerning issue. However, by addressing the challenges faced by the domestic poultry sector and investing in its development, Nigeria can strive towards self-sufficiency, strengthen food security, and support the growth of its economy..
Nigeria dependency on poultry products in Nigeria is a troubling issue. But by fine tuning the challenges faced by the domestic poultry sector and investing in its development, Nigeria can move towards a better self-sufficient environment and broaden the food security in the country,this will have a ample effect in the growth of the Nigerian economy..
To avoid becoming dependent on imports, Nigeria must take rapid steps to address the issues facing its poultry industry. To assist poultry farmers and ensure the long-term viability of the domestic poultry sector, the government and industry partners must put measures and policies into place.
FIPAN is preparing us in advance for this issue with the shortage of chicken goods. It is regrettable that we are not raising enough poultry animals, and as a result, we will start to rely on imported chicken.Nigeria can raise production, improve the quality of domestically produced chicken products, and satisfy the nation’s expanding demand by concentrating on these areas.