Oyo engages poultry stakeholders over surge in chick prices

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has convened a meeting with stakeholders to tackle the persistent increase in the prices of day-old chicks, a trend threatening farmers’ profitability and raising concerns over the state’s food security.

The meeting which had in attendance several poultry farmers, hatchery operators, and key industry players was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Conference Room on Wednesday.

The commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed that the engagement aimed at identifying practical and sustainable solutions to the recurring price hikes.

He expressed concern over the continuous rise of day-old chicks despite the level of investment being made by the government.

Olaleye further appealed to hatchery operators and marketers to consider reducing prices in order to support government efforts in stabilizing the market, boosting local poultry production, and making poultry products more affordable for residents.

Reacting to the commissioner’s remarks, the vice chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Kayode Okunowo, commended the government’s proactive approach, while pushing for the institutionalization of periodic stakeholder meetings to ensure continuous dialogue and lasting solutions.

Similarly, the vice vhairman of the Hatchery Association, Rev. Tunde Owolabi, called for intensified public sensitization on the nutritional and economic benefits of regular consumption of chicken and eggs.

He also urged the government to provide support for operators managing heavy debts across the poultry value chain, pledging stakeholders’ commitment to collaborate with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to advance food security in the state.