Poultry farmers have appealed to the Federal Government, to come to their rescue as they are experiencing tougher times in finding maize to buy, for the production of feeds for their birds.
The appeal came from an Executive of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Mr Joel Oduware, while chatting with newsmen in Lagos.
Mr Oduware noted that continous increase in the costs of maize, has adversely affected local poultry production.
He however expressed concern over the growing cost of maize which he said, had crippled activities in most local poultry farms and had also affected the price of poultry produce in the State.
The Farmer said maize which constitutes over sixty percent of poulltry feeds was daily becoming very scarce, with prices going higher everyday.
Mr. Oduware explained that, earlier this year, maize was sold for between sixty and seventy thousand naira per tonne, but it is currently selling for between one hunderd and seventy five thousand and one hundred and eighty five thousand naira per tonne. He attributed this to the ban on importation of maize, hence farmers inability to afford the prices of the commodity.
According to Mr Oduware, their only alternative now, is soghum and it is too light and cannot provide the needed energy for birds to thrive hence the appeal to the Government, to fastract the lifting of the ban on maize importation, as the local maize farmers cannot meet the required demand by the produce consumers.
Godwin Udor
