200,000 Broiler Chicks Distributed to 4,000 Poultry Farmers in Ondo State under NG-CARES Programme

As part of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, a total of 200,000 broiler day-old chicks have been distributed free of charge to 4,000 poultry farmers in Ondo State.

The beneficiaries were selected from all 18 local government areas of the state.

During the second phase of input disbursement to the beneficiary farmers, Mr. Olusiji Olatunji, the Project Coordinator of the Fadama III project in Ondo State, revealed this information.

He explained that the Fadama III project is responsible for implementing and delivering results in Result Area 2 of the NG-CARES program in the state. Result Area 2 focuses on increasing food security and ensuring the smooth functioning of food supply chains.

Olatunji stated, “The project is providing a stimulus package for poultry farmers who have been adversely affected by the slowdown or lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many farmers had to sell their stocks at low prices due to the lockdown.” Each farmer received 50 broilers, six bags of poultry feed, and medication. The aim is for them to sell and restock after three months and use the funds to sustain their businesses.

The distribution of free broilers to farmers is just one component of the input provision under Result Area 2. The project also provided cassava production inputs, aquaculture inputs, maize inputs, rice inputs, leafy vegetables, and necessary agrochemicals to the beneficiary farmers.

Highlighting the importance of this support, Olatunji mentioned, “With this support, farmers will be able to provide protein intake for the populace. In a situation where these broilers are not available, the public would be deprived of protein intake.”

Mr. Adeyinka Adesida, the Technical Officer in charge of inputs and agricultural services, emphasized that the disbursement is an ongoing process that encompasses various sectors such as broiler production, cassava production, fish farming, leafy vegetables, maize, and rice.

He assured that as soon as the project receives reimbursement on advances, the remaining beneficiaries will also be reached.

Overall, this initiative aims to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on poultry farmers and ensure food security for the population.