High cost of maize shuts down Over 600 poultry farms.

Delta State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has said that over 600 poultry farms are on the verge of shutting down operations due to scarcity and the high cost of maize.

The state chairman of PAN, Chief Eric Tomfawei, who raised the alarm, lamented that the cost was above the reach of poultry farmers in the state.

Tomfawei, who stated this during a briefing in Asaba, said the feed cost rose by over 75 per cent from N225,000 to N405,000 per tonne.

“If over 600 poultry farms were allowed to shut down in the current economy in the state, thousands of Delta youths would be jobless.

“Aside from job losses, there would be astronomical increment in birds and hunger across Delta and its neighbouring states.

“Despite the recent increase in the price of maize, farmers in Delta cannot increase costs because many farmers are already experiencing gluts in egg and broiler production.

“Relevant government agency should help to release adequate quantities of maize from the Strategic Food Reserve to the poultry industry at a discounted rate to address the spiralling cost of maize,” he said.

Tomfawei urged Gov Sheriff Oborevwori to address the issue of the egg and broiler glut crisis affecting poultry farmers in the state.

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