Poultry farmers in Kano State have expressed alarm over the escalating prices of poultry feed, which they believe is jeopardizing their businesses and the entire poultry value chain.
They have witnessed a more than 30% increase in feed prices since the beginning of the year, causing significant negative impacts.
Currently, a 25kg bag of poultry feed in Kano State sells for prices ranging from N8,000 to N10,500, depending on the brand.
Alhaji Umar Usman Kibiya, the Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), attributed the price surge to the government’s free trade foreign exchange policy on the dollar, which has adversely affected maize importation into the country.
Kibiya further explained that the intense competition for maize between confectionaries, local consumption, and the animal feed sector has created a high demand for maize, resulting in scarcity and price hikes. This situation is placing significant strain on poultry farmers, with many considering shifting to alternative businesses due to the challenging conditions.
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Malam Sunusi Magaji, a poultry farmer, highlighted that while the price of day-old chicks has dropped significantly, the soaring cost of feed is rendering the poultry business unattractive. The increased production expenses are eroding profitability and sustainability.
Usman Usaini, another poultry farmer, shared that several colleagues are transitioning to local production methods due to the exorbitant feed prices. Local production is perceived as a more cost-effective option since it eliminates the need for expensive feed.
Meanwhile, maize has become a highly sought-after commodity, with prices at the Dawanau International Grain Market surging from N23,000 at the beginning of the year to over N33,000 presently. The market is witnessing intense competition, leading to long queues and bulk purchases.
Alhaji Mu’azu Gambo, a merchant at the market, acknowledged that the high demand for maize has prompted some companies to open their stores and supply the commodity to buyers. These interventions have prevented severe scarcity and made maize more accessible to the public.
Maize has long been a critical ingredient in poultry and animal feed production, as well as a staple food source in northern Nigeria.
Recent innovations have expanded its applications in various food processing methods. Despite substantial local production, the government has implemented interventions to ensure the availability of maize, including importation and other measures.
