Experts seek reforms to unlock poultry industry’s potential
By Kafayat Kokumo
Experts are advocating for reforms, increased investment, innovation, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s poultry industry. They believe these measures are essential for boosting food security, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.
During the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) summit in Lagos, titled “Flocking to Growth: Transforming the Nigerian Poultry Industry through Innovation and Investment,” Professor Olutayo Adeyemi emphasized the strategic importance of the poultry sector in Nigeria’s agriculture. He noted that the South-West region is central to poultry production in West Africa.
Adeyemi remarked that advancements in poultry genetics have markedly improved productivity. He called on researchers, farmers, regulators, investors, and government entities to work collaboratively to accelerate the industry’s growth. He highlighted several critical areas for investment, including precision feed milling, genetics and breeding, broiler production, processing, cold-chain logistics, standard abattoirs, and value addition, while lamenting Nigeria’s limited processing capabilities.
In a paper presentation titled “Sustainable Poultry Production: Best Practices, Climate Change, and Waste Management,” Dr. Mobolaji Alabi reported that agriculture accounted for 23.1 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of the year. He pointed out that Nigeria’s estimated poultry population of 300 million birds falls short of future demand.
Alabi urged poultry farmers to implement precision management techniques that accurately measure feed, medication, and bird weight. This approach aims to enhance productivity and mitigate antimicrobial resistance within the industry.
