Oyo State government is set to distribute 11,000 bags of poultry feed to 1,691 poultry farmers in the state as part of its continued efforts to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
The commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, revealed this while declaring open World Egg Day in Ibadan.
According to him, this will enhance and promote food security in the state.
He said 1,691 poultry farmers would be given poultry feed while 1,691 fish farmers would also benefit from the programme, 2,537 crops farmers and 2,539 cattle sheep and goat farmers would equally benefit, being the first phase of the programme.
Olasunkwnmi maintained that efforts of poultry farmers in food security cannot be underestimated hence the Oyo State Government’s vested interest to regulate the poultry business in the state.
He said it would help the ministry have accurate data of poultry farmers in the state and to ensure quality production for public consumption.
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Olasunkanmi also explained that 11,000 bags of feed have been set aside for poultry farmers, saying accurate data can only help the ministry to extend the government’s good gesture to the poultry sector.
He explained that monitoring of their activities was necessary due to regular losses recorded in the sector, most especially this period of high cost of feed.
“Part of areas which we are much concerned about is feeding, we will monitor feed production that are to be given to birds, so as to enhance poultry farmers profitability, and to ensure resilient day old chicks, as well as enhance standardisation of poultry products processing in the state”, he said.
The commissioner therefore called on the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to complement the government’s efforts in enhancing food security in the state having in mind that the government cannot do everything.
In his remarks, the chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Oyo State branch, Elder Omidokun Oyekunle said the World Egg Day is celebrated every 13th of October worldwide to encourage people on the need to eat eggs daily.
