By Adeyemi David
The Oyo State Government has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to address the persistent increase in the prices of day-old chicks, a development threatening the profitability of poultry farmers and raising food security concerns across the state.Oyo/Osun Customs strengthens inter-agency ties with DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with poultry farmers, hatchery operators and other key industry players at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
Olaleye said the engagement was aimed at finding practical and sustainable solutions to recurring price hikes, noting that despite government interventions and investments in agriculture, the cost of day-old chicks has continued to rise.
He expressed concern that the upward trend has placed additional financial strain on poultry farmers and negatively affected food production in the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the poultry industry, describing it as a critical component of the state’s food security and economic development agenda.
He stressed that sustainable growth in the sector requires collective responsibility and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Olaleye appealed to hatchery operators and marketers to consider a downward review of prices to complement the government’s efforts to boost local poultry production, stabilise the market and make poultry products more affordable for residents.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Kayode Okunowo, commended the government for taking proactive steps to curb arbitrary price increases.
He urged the state to institutionalise periodic stakeholders’ meetings to sustain dialogue and develop lasting solutions within the industry.Amid PDP leadership crisis, INEC meets party leaders ahead of FCT polls
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the hatchery stakeholders, Rev. Tunde Owolabi, called for intensified public sensitisation on the nutritional and economic benefits of consuming chicken and eggs.
He appealed for supportive measures to assist day-old chick operators in managing heavy debts affecting players across the value chain.
Owolabi pledged stakeholders’ renewed commitment to collaborate with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in advancing food security in the state.
Representatives of Agrited Nigeria Limited, Ajila Value Adding Venture, BreedWell Nigeria Limited, Fiden Investment Limited, CHI Farms Limited, Saheed Farms, Bestline Farms, Zartech Limited and Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, among others, attended the meeting.
The government said it remains committed to ensuring stability in the poultry sector as part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food affordability in Oyo State.
