By Motolani AbdulGafar
Members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Ejigbo branch are lamenting the low sales of products following the on-going Covid -19 vaccination expected to douse tension and restore the economy.
But, according to them, sales during this year’s Easter season has been low compared to previous years.
In an exclusive interview with ECHONEWS, an industrial poultry farmer, Mrs. Ugonma Maurice-Effanga, disclosed that the sale of both big and small chicken together with eggs did not appreciate as it ought to be in a festive period.
She said: “To be honest with you, our sales have been very slow. It is as if some people are forgetting that Easter is around. Busy workers don’t even book as much as they used to before but all they keep saying is that the situation of the country is not favourable.
“We are still believing God for great sales after all it is not over yet. We believe our sales will increase more and more by the grace of God.”
Another farmer, who invited ECHONEWS to his farm to witness the situation, Mr. Cyril Ameho, explained that the current situation of farmers could be linked to the high prices of farm produce which prevent customers from buying desired numbers.
He said: “It’s no news that the cost of poultry feeds has increased and the implication of this is that we farmers have to increase the prices of our chicken and eggs. For instance, for layers, 200 birds will consume a bag of feed a day and a 25kg starter bag that we purchased at the price between N3, 800 and N4, 000 last year is now sold between N4, 700 and N5, 000 which automatically means that we as farmers would also increase the price of our chicken and eggs considering the time, efforts and capital invested in the business.
“In fact, the attitude of buyers during last year Christmas and New Year celebration made me re-strategise, I have reduced the number of the birds I rear for the Easter celebration so that I will record limited loss.”
Ameho appealed to the government to intervene in the production of farm feeds while urging consumers to patronise them during and after the Easter celebration.
