- Over 50% of Broilers Remain Unsold Amid Festive Season Struggles
- Farm Closures Loom as Farmers Call for Urgent Economic Interventions
The Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Onallo Akpa, has lamented the significant losses suffered by poultry farmers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations as economic hardship dampened sales. Despite heavy investments in broiler production for the festive season, many families opted for cheaper alternatives due to low purchasing power.
In an interview, Dr. Akpa explained that poultry farmers, particularly small-scale and backyard producers, had stocked broilers with high expectations of festive sales. However, over 50% of the birds produced remained unsold, leaving farmers grappling with unsustainable feed costs and mounting losses.
“Many families simply couldn’t afford the luxury of poultry meat during Christmas and New Year. Farmers who hoped to profit are now left with unsold broilers and no means to continue feeding them without incurring further expenses,” Akpa said.
The situation has taken a toll on the livelihoods of small-scale poultry farmers, with many losing confidence in the industry. “We are seeing closures of poultry farms across the country as the cost of production and diminished purchasing power make the business unsustainable,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2025, Akpa urged the government to prioritize the poultry sector, which provides employment for over 25 million Nigerians. He emphasized the need for policies that support affordable production and enhance food security.
“The poultry sector is a low-hanging fruit for economic recovery. The government must act urgently to safeguard livelihoods, boost nutrition, and secure the nation’s food supply,” he stressed.
