The Poultry Association of Nigeria has called for continuous federal government support through grain intervention in 2024.

They made the call in separate interviews on Wednesday in Lagos.

The chairman of PAN in Lagos, Mojeed Iyiola, said the sector would only prosper with continuous government interventions at all levels.

Mr Iyiola stated, “This year, we want the government at all levels to engage in more interventions in feed production for local farmers. We have problems in input procurement, most especially in reference to maize and soya.

“We would like to appreciate the Lagos state government for their interventions last year in respect to maize for feed milling. We also appeal to the federal government to fulfill its promise in the provision of substantial amount of maize for poultry farmers.”

PAN chair in Lagos added, “We hope to start seeing the maize intervention from the federal government, which will start rolling in. We believe 2024 will be a profitable year for poultry farmers with these interventions.”

Mr Iyiola, however, commended the government for its support in the sector in the previous year.

Also speaking, Godwin Egbebe, PAN’s national publicity secretary, called on the government to curtail the smuggling of local grains to neighbouring countries.

Mr Egbede said the major problem with the poultry was the high price of grains.

“We want the government to put an end to the exportation/smuggling of our grains to neighbouring countries like Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic. We hope all these will be corrected this year,” he explained. “We need to be self-sufficient locally before we start the exportation of our grains.”

Mr Egbemode added, “We need bailouts for the sector this year, and these bailouts must be strategic. We need to ensure they get to the right farmers. The government has been doing bailouts for the sector, but most times, it is not directed to the right people.

“The government should ensure the implementation of its bailouts is well carried out so as to reach the right farmers.” 

(NAN)