The Federal Government has tasked National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), and other research institutes on the development of maize varieties suitable for poultry production, other livestock and human consumption.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this on the sidelines of the 2nd edition of Poultry Summit in Abuja.
The theme of the summit is “Poultry Production, a Foundation for Food Security and National Development”
Abdullahi suggested that the institute should research into producing maize specifically for poultry, production, swine, and human consumption among others.
He said the measure would address the challenges of maize inadequacy in poultry production currently bedeviling the industry, reduce cost of feed and boost the nation’s economy.
“I call on our research institutes to rise up to the occasion by focusing efforts on coming up with maize varieties for livestock feed only.
“This will definitely reduce the demand pressure on the ordinary maize used for food and other purposes by human,” he said.
The minister identified poultry production in the country as a vehicle for wealth creation, and improved means of livelihood and also serves as a potential source of foreign exchange earnings.
According to him, Nigeria occupies a pride of place with regards to poultry production in Africa.
“The country remains the largest egg producer but has the second largest chicken population in the continent.
“The annual egg production is estimated at 10.3 billion eggs while annual consumption is put at about 14 billion eggs, based on the premise of annual individual consumption of about 70 eggs,“he said.
He said that the per capita poultry consumption in Nigeria is 1.75 kg which falls below the 6.2 kg Africa average.
“Annual consumption of poultry meat in Nigeria is put at 1,500,000 Metric Tons (MT) and production output is just about 55 per cent of consumption.
“This is estimated at 826,902.42 MT leaving a huge deficit of 45 per cent which is about 675,000 MT.
“This deficit, unfortunately is met through smuggling of poultry and poultry products which most of the times are unwholesome, with its attendant negative effects on the citizen, industry and the economy,“he said.
Abdullahi said the potentials of the Nigerian poultry industry to meet the animal protein need of the populace, and play a vital role in international trade arena are enormous.
He said that if properly harnessed, they would culminate in immense prosperity for the citizens as well as the nation.
The minister urged stakeholders to engage in discussions and share insights in accordance with government’s policy on agriculture, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP)
“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to implementing sustainable practices, leveraging technology, innovation and fostering partnerships that will propel our poultry industry to new heights.
He said agriculture, particularly poultry production, stands as a cornerstone in the renewed hope journey.
The minister said the sector is about nurturing a resilient nutrition foundation for our nation’s sustenance and growth.
“In the tapestry of national development, poultry production forms a vital thread, weaving its way into the fabric of food security and progress,”he said.
