Investors in animal farming in Edo State are presently in dire straits as the hike in the cost of animal feeds especially for fish and chicken are beyond their reach as they lament government effort for food security may become a mirage.
It was gathered that the situation among farmers has also taken a downturn on the sales of their farm produce as it has gone above the reach of average Nigerians.
The development it was learnt has led to the shut down of many farms in Edo State and attempts to access government loans to remain afloat in the business appear daunting.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman, JabWorld Agro& Multi-Purpose Limited, Uyi Jaboro, said the government should immediately come to the aid of farmers if its effort in addressing food security is to be achieved.
Uyi, who runs a large expanse of multi-million naira farm ranging from poultry, snail, fishery, grass-cutter, sheep and cow in Benin, said the high cost of animal feeds has become the number one challenge poised to farmers.
“It is very difficult keeping our farm running, especially with the high cost of feed. We are appealing to the government to support farmers’ effort in food production and job creation and grant access for loans.
Corroborating, Jaboro’s position, Mrs. Obasuyi Anthonia said the present cost of feeds has eluded many farmers and noted that efforts by the Poultry Feed Association is not yielding any positive result.
“The cost of feed is beyond the reach of many farmers. The bag of chicken and fish feed have almost doubled. A bucket of fish feed that cost N18,000 now sells for N21,700 and this is not helping farmers. We really need assistance from all relevant government agencies.”
She, however, expressed optimism that agriculture remains a viable sector that revamp the country’s economic fortune for the better.
Discussion about this post