According to the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ogun State , Mrs. Blessing Isioma Alawode more than 350,000 poultry farmers have lost their jobs, while over 1,000 egg farmers have been forced out of business as a result of the increase in the prices of maize and other essential inputs.
While attributing the alarming increase and scarcity of maize and other ingredients to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said the industry is under attack. “Many of our farmers have downsized their production capacity by over 300,000 birds, while others have buried thousands of crates of eggs to save themselves from total collapse.
“Soya bean meal and other protein sources are also experiencing a significant increase in prices greater than or equal to 22 per cent. The price in March was an an average of N110, 000 per tonne; today, the price is at a minimum of N135, 000 per tonne.