By The Ogun State Chapter Of Poultry Association Of Nigeria, Friday, Celebrated World Egg Day.
World Egg Day was established in Vienna in 1996 to raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and their importance in human nutrition.
The PAN, Ogun State Chapter, joined others around the globe to celebrate the event, as countries continue to promote the importance of eggs.
The Ogun Chapter, whilst celebrating, noted that egg is paramount for consumption because of its HIGH QUALITY, VERSATILITY IN NUTRIENT COMPOSITION, AFFORDABILITY, And it’s ORIGINALITY.
The Chapter assured that farmers in Ogun state and in Nigeria are committed to making eggs available to the populace during this pandemic.
The Ogun PAN explained that their major inputs in poultry feed: maize and soya, sells for 85% and 45% higher than it sold tlast year respectively.
“They both make up 80-85% of our feed cost which also account for 75-80% of our cost.
“Prices of poultry feed are at all time high of about n4000 25kg bag this represents about 35-40% higher than.” The Chapter said.
Explaining further that their Periodic Glut –is due to low demands and consumption pattern which is still averse to figures from developing and developed countries.
“The effect of glut is usually devastating as the farmers have no choice than to sell eggs at far less than production costs or resort to destruction at severe situations.
“This will not make for a steady growth in this sub sector so we call for government to take interest by encouraging the establishment of egg processing plants in states with production advantage.
While explaining seed costing, the Chapter said “the poultry farmer’s seed is the day old chicks, of which the current price of day old chicks is 65 – 100% higher than it sold last year and farmers have to pay for several weeks in advance before supply.
“Our breeder farmers and hatcheries also have their challenges but current situation does not favour sustainability of the sector.
We appeal to the Government to look at the following solutions proffered to the Association.
“As opposed to subsistent farming currently practiced, this will help to resolve issues around insufficient and expensive grains like maize and soya.
“Establishment of Powder Egg Processing Plants through a public/private partnership in States with production advantage
Government approving license to indigenous firms to import Grand Parent stock which will also allow healthy competition and stock availability at the right price.”
