Lagos poultry association demands diversification to ensure food security

• Published On: 29 September 2024 at 19:46

The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, has advocated for diversification and efficiency measures to address ongoing poultry sector challenges that jeopardize food security and sustainability.

According to The Nigerianwatch, PANLAG chairman Mojeed Iyiola emphasized the need for collective action to secure the future of poultry farming in the region at a conference on Wednesday in Lagos titled "Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State on the Pathway to Food Security and Sustainability."

Iyiola emphasized the poultry industry's critical role in West African protein production, while also expressing concern about recent setbacks in the sector.

He stated that many farms have been forced to close as a result of rising insecurity, climate change, and economic instability, emphasizing the critical need for strategic measures to ensure the industry's resilience and sustainability.

"The industry is experiencing a regressive trend in production, with farms closing down every day. "This is a wake-up call for us all," Iyiola said.

He urged stakeholders to innovate and collaborate to ensure food security in Lagos State and across the Nigerian market.

Iyiola emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the poultry sector's challenges and improving its overall sustainability.

The conference featured presentations from industry experts, including Professor Olajide Sogunle, who represented Prof. Olusola Kehinde, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta.

Their insights helped to shape discussions about strategies for overcoming poultry industry challenges and improving food security.

Sogunle advocated for greater diversification in Nigeria's poultry industry, citing the country's over-reliance on broilers and layers.

He emphasized the importance of researching alternative poultry products in order to strengthen and bolster the industry.

He encouraged farmers to investigate alternative poultry breeds and consider diversifying into other farming ventures, such as fish farming, which has proven profitable in other countries.

"Farmers in Nigeria tend to follow trends rather than seizing new opportunities. Sogunle emphasized the importance of diversification in the poultry sector's growth.

He also mentioned that many farmers ignore university research that could help them save money on production, particularly when it comes to alternative feed resources.

"We are doing our best to share ideas from our research, but farmers need to be more open to innovation," the scientist said.

Furthermore, Dr. James Wageti, the General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Adamore Nigeria Ltd, urged poultry farmers to prioritize farm efficiency as a survival strategy in difficult times.

Wageti observed that many farmers were losing more than they earned as a result of poor stockmanship, which he defined as effective poultry management through observation and practice.

"Farmers must develop the skill of 'listening' to their birds," Wageti said, explaining that birds frequently exhibit distress or illness that go unnoticed by inexperienced farmers.