Poultry Farmers Lament Losses As Unsold Chicken Stocks Pile Up After Holidays

Poultry farmers in Nigeria face significant losses as unsold chicken stocks pile up after the holidays. Poor sales during Christmas and New Year highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and government support for the poultry industry.

Nigerian poultry farmers are facing massive losses after experiencing poor sales of chicken during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Onallo Akpa, Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), highlighted the struggles of poultry farmers, citing economic challenges and reduced purchasing power as major factors that discouraged families from buying chicken.

Preparation for the Festive Season

Poultry farmers entered the festive season with high hopes, expecting robust sales as families traditionally include chicken in their holiday celebrations. Investments in broiler production skyrocketed, especially among small-scale backyard poultry farmers, despite the high costs of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and poultry feed.

Dr. Akpa noted that almost every poultry producer, regardless of scale, stocked broilers in anticipation of high demand. “The belief was that, no matter the circumstances, families would prioritize buying chicken for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he explained.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Unfortunately, the reality fell short of expectations. Over 50% of the broilers produced for the holidays remained unsold due to the declining purchasing power of Nigerians. Families, struggling to meet basic needs, deprioritized poultry meat in favor of more affordable food options.

“Poultry farmers are now grappling with unsold stock, which adds to their costs as they continue feeding the birds without corresponding sales,” Dr. Akpa revealed. This situation has left many farmers facing severe financial losses, with some contemplating shutting down their operations entirely.

Impact on the Poultry Industry

The poor sales during the holiday season have had devastating consequences for the poultry sector. The livelihoods of families who rely on small-scale poultry farming are being threatened, while confidence in the industry has taken a significant hit. Many farms are closing down due to unsustainable production costs and diminished demand.

Dr. Akpa stressed that the cost of production, compounded by the economic hardship faced by consumers, has created a dire situation for the poultry industry.

A Path Forward in 2025

Despite the challenges, Dr. Akpa remains hopeful. He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the agricultural sector, particularly poultry farming, which employs over 25 million Nigerians directly and indirectly.

“To revive the industry, there must be a focused effort on boosting the economy and addressing critical issues in agriculture,” Dr. Akpa suggested. He also called for policies that support nutrition and food security, highlighting the vital role of poultry in achieving these goals.

Conclusion

The struggles faced by Nigerian poultry farmers during the 2024 festive season highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and targeted interventions in the agricultural sector. Without swift action, the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and the nation’s food security could be at risk.