Anambra Poultry Farmers Seek Government Hatchery, Subsidies on Feeds

By Praise Chinecherem

The Chief Executive Officer of Jofez Agro Limited, Mr Joshua Ifezue, has called on the Anambra State Government to establish a hatchery or partner with private investors to set up one, alongside introducing subsidies on poultry feed ingredients to boost the state’s poultry industry.

Ifezue made the appeal during the fourth edition of the Annual Farmers Forum, sponsored by Jofez Agro Limited and held at Emmaus House, Awka.

The forum, themed “The Modern Poultry Farmer: Beyond Raising Poultry,” attracted agricultural experts from within and outside the state, including Dr James Wageti of Admore Ltd; Mr Onayemi Odunayo of New Hope Ltd; and Dr Emma Okafor of Glake Integrated Farms.

Speaking at the event, Ifezue identified the absence of a hatchery in the state as a major challenge confronting poultry farmers, noting that establishing one would improve access to quality chicks and strengthen local poultry production.

He expressed his readiness to partner with the government and other interested investors to establish a hatchery in Anambra, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing farmers.

The agro expert also advocated a coordinated approach to promoting the breeding and preservation of indigenous chicken breeds, noting their economic value and the need to prevent their decline.

“We should also encourage the breeding of local fowls. We need to preserve what we have,” he said.

According to him, an egg from a local chicken sells for between N300 and N400, compared with about N200 for an egg from conventional poultry breeds, highlighting the potential economic benefits of investing in indigenous poultry production.

Ifezue further urged the government to intervene in the rising cost of poultry feeds by supporting local feed production and subsidising maize, soya and other essential ingredients used in manufacturing animal feeds.

He noted that reducing feed costs would ease the financial burden on poultry farmers, improve profitability and encourage more investment in the sector.

Describing the impact of the annual forum as encouraging, the Jofez Agro boss said the initiative would continue to provide farmers with the knowledge and practical guidance needed to grow their businesses and avoid costly mistakes.

He explained that the programme was designed to equip poultry farmers with the information required to make informed business decisions, improve farm management and minimise losses.

Ifezue also disclosed plans by the company to commence its seasonal promotional campaign, tagged Black Friday, in November, during which prices of its poultry products would be reduced to attract customers and support their businesses.

Earlier, resource persons at the forum educated participants on various aspects of poultry farming, including business management, effective production techniques, value addition and the principles of successful poultry enterprise management.

The experts also called on agricultural stakeholders to intensify efforts towards promoting viable and sustainable farming practices to increase productivity and strengthen the poultry sector.

Some participants commended Jofez Agro Limited for organising the forum, describing it as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking and capacity building among farmers.

They also welcomed the provision of free medical services at the event and urged the organisers to sustain the initiative to ensure that more farmers benefit from future editions.

#