Ogun govt supports 850 poultry farmers with discounted feeds

In a significant stride to boost poultry farming and increase per capita consumption of chicken, the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has given support to 850 poultry farmers across the state with 80 bags of feed per farmer at 30 per cent discount with each breeding 500 birds.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo stated this during his visit to Elere village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, at the flag off of the processing of about 13,000 chickens raised by  26 poultry farmers who benefited from the OGSTEP 30 per cent bird feed discount.

Owotomo pointed out that the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s led administration was determined to reduce to the barest minimum the burden associated with poultry production, hence its decision to provide feeds at discounted rate to some poultry farmers through OGSTEP.

“In Nigeria, we have a protein deficit because we still import a lot of poultry products from other countries. However, in Ogun State, our poultry consumption is 250,000 metric tonnes and we can only provide about 120,000 metric tons despite the fact that we are the poultry capital of Nigeria with the largest concentration of poultry farmers,” he said.

The Commissioner called on farmers that have benefited from the programme to ensure the continuity of the initiative by re-investing some of their profit into the business to further boost poultry production.

In her goodwill message, Permanent Secretary  in the Ministry, Mrs. kehinde Jokotoye commended the poultry farmers for making good use of the 30 percent discount on feeds given by the government to enhance their business.

On her part, State Coordinator, OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, explained that OGSTEP was a multi-sectoral project which has agriculture as one of the sectors with overall aim of boosting food security and improving livelihood of farmers.

Earlier, the OGSTEP Agric. Project Manager, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluseyi Olugbire, appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Service provider, the off taker, as well as farmers in making the intervention timely and impactful.

In appreciation, a representative of the farmers and chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mowe Zone, Mr. Ahmed Alli, thanked the State Government for the support given to the poultry farmers, saying it would go a long way in reducing the challenges being faced by poultry farmers.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE