Poultry farmers in the Oti Region, are calling on the Government to intervene as the price of poultry feed continues to soar, threatening their livelihoods and the poultry industry as a whole.
Madam Ellen Ameho, a poultry farmer in the Region, expressed her concern over the situation, stating that the high cost of poultry feed is the reason for the increased price of eggs. She further noted that this situation has discouraged many young people from going into poultry farming as they fear they would only end up losing money.
Other poultry farmers have also expressed similar concerns, stating that they are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the high cost of feed, which makes up a significant portion of their operational costs. They are calling on the government to provide subsidies on poultry feed or regulate the prices to make it more affordable for farmers.
The issue of high poultry feed prices is not unique to the Oti Region, as many poultry farmers across the country are facing similar challenges. The rising cost of inputs such as feed and fuel, coupled with other factors such as disease outbreaks and market fluctuations, is making it increasingly difficult for small-scale farmers to stay afloat.
To address these challenges, the Government has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting agriculture and poultry farming in the country. For instance, the government has introduced the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which provides farmers with subsidized inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds, and extension services.
While these initiatives are laudable, there is a need for more comprehensive and sustainable interventions to address the challenges facing the sector.
some Experts in the industry have suggested the adoption of more efficient methods to reduce the amount of feed they need for their birds. These include using high-quality feeds and adopting better poultry management practices that can help to improve the birds’ health and increase their productivity.
However, farmers argue that these suggestions may not be practical given the current economic situation and the high cost of inputs. They believe that the government should step in and provide support to the industry, including access to affordable credit and other financial incentives.
The call for Government intervention comes at a time the Government is placing more emphasis on the development of the agricultural sector. It is hoped that the government will take the concerns of poultry farmers seriously and come up with a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by the industry.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
