By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing challenges hindering the growth of the poultry sector in the country.
Maiha stressed the importance of immediate intervention and sustainable policies to groom the sector so that it can contribute to the nation’s economy and food security.
A statement on Thursday by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department, Mr. Ben. Bem Goong, on Thursday said that the Minister said stated this when a delegation from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus paid him a courtesy visit.
“The large-scale cultivation of maize, sorghum, and soya is imperative. Without these critical inputs, we cannot break free from the current challenges.
“Rest assured, progress is already underway,” Maiha stated, emphasising the ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions.
According to statement, in their presentation, the PAN delegation underscored the urgent need to enhance poultry productivity, and urged the government to serve as the “buyer of last resort” for grains like maize and soya, which are essential for poultry feed production.
They maintained that such measure, would stabilise market prices and build reserves to boost food security.
The group also canvassed a reduction in tariffs on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment, proposing a zero-duty policy to lower production costs and stimulate industry growth.
PAN expressed support for sustaining policies that limit frozen poultry imports, highlighting the importance of encouraging local production and attracting foreign investors to establish operations within Nigeria.
The Association equally lamented the high borrowing rates for agricultural production, with some farmers facing interest rates as high as 35 per cent and canvassed called for the establishment of a dedicated Poultry Development Fund with single-digit interest rates to support farmers and drive the industry growth.
PAN also urged the government to harmonise taxation policies to eliminate the burden of multiple levies on agricultural commodities, which inflate production costs and disproportionately affect small-scale farmers.
Additionally, the Association advocated stringent quality control measures for poultry feeds and micro-ingredients to safeguard productivity and boost farmer confidence.
“With the right policies, infrastructure, and financial support, the poultry industry has the potential to drive national food security, create jobs, and significantly contribute to economic growth,” PAN stated.
