Shortage of raw materials crippling poultry sector — NIAS

Acute shortage of maize and soybean has been identified as the main factor crippling the poultry sector in Nigeria.

The Registrar/CEO, Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Professor Eustace Iyayi, who disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during a collaborative meeting held with Premier Agribusiness Academy (PAA) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, said, the unavailability of quality and affordable livestock feed to farmers can be attributed to the shortfall in local production of maize and soybean in the country.

According to him, it became imperative for NIAS to pay attention to livestock feed production in order to avoid livestock starvation, unprofitability, and indebtedness of farmers, especially those still struggling to remain in business.

He pointed out that the solution to this lingering scarcity and the high price of maize and soybean is to increase local production through farmers’ participation.

Iyayi explained that, if farmers can be properly trained on global best practices in feed production, individual farmers will be able to independently make quality feeds needed for their livestock consumption.

The DG, PAA, Francis Toromade said the academy is ready to help train farmers on global impactful practices (MIP) in maize and soybean production with the assistance of IITA.

According to him, IITA is renowned for quality research, which has helped transform and develop agriculture practices all over the world.

Speaking on behalf of IITA, the Head, Capacity Development Office, Sougrynoma Zainatou Soré expressed readiness to work with PAA and NIAS by supplying research documents used by IITA in improving its yield per hectare for soybean production and maize.