Poultry industry leaders demand diversification combat economic challenges

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PANLAG) has called for urgent diversification and enhanced efficiency measures to combat the pressing challenges facing the poultry sector, which threaten food security and sustainability in the region.

This was the key message delivered by PANLAG chairman, Mojeed Iyiola, during the association’s conference held on Wednesday in Lagos, themed “Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State on the Pathway to Food Security and Sustainability.”

In his address, Iyiola emphasized the vital role of the poultry industry in providing protein across West Africa. He expressed deep concern over the sector’s recent setbacks, citing the alarming rate at which farms are shutting down due to rising insecurity, climate change, and economic instability. “The industry is experiencing a retrogressive trend in production, with farms closing daily. This is a wake-up call for us all,” he stated.

Iyiola urged stakeholders to unite in innovative efforts to maintain food security in Lagos State and the broader Nigerian market. The conference featured presentations from industry experts, including Professor Olajide Sogunle, who represented the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Kehinde.

Sogunle advocated for greater diversification within Nigeria’s poultry industry and criticized the sector’s heavy reliance on broilers and layers. He encouraged farmers to explore alternative poultry breeds and other profitable farming ventures, such as fish farming, which have seen success in other countries.

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“Farmers in Nigeria tend to follow trends instead of exploring new opportunities. Diversification is key to the growth of the poultry sector,” Sogunle remarked.

He also highlighted that many farmers overlook valuable research from universities that could aid in reducing production costs, particularly through the use of alternative feed resources. “We are doing our best to share ideas from our research, but farmers need to be more open to innovation,” he added.

Additionally, Dr. James Wageti, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Adamore Nigeria Ltd, emphasized the importance of farm efficiency as a survival strategy during challenging times.

He noted that many farmers are losing more than they earn due to inadequate stockmanship, which he defined as effectively managing poultry through observation and experience. “Farmers must develop the skill of ‘listening’ to their birds,” Wageti stated, explaining that subtle signs of distress or illness often go unnoticed by less experienced farmers.

Wageti stressed that basic sensory observations, such as changes in the birds’ behavior or environment, could prevent significant losses. “Stockmanship is key to managing your business and staying afloat in this industry,” he concluded.

The conference served as a crucial platform for addressing the future of poultry farming in Nigeria, with a clear call for innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to secure a sustainable path forward.