The situation in Edo State’s poultry farming sector is deeply troubling, and it’s a reflection of broader issues in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. The skyrocketing costs of feed, coupled with the challenges of poor infrastructure and a struggling economy, are pushing many farmers to the brink. Some are even abandoning their farms entirely, seeking better opportunities abroad.

The price of poultry feed has become a major hurdle, with bags now costing between N18,000 and N20,000. This has made it nearly impossible for small-scale farmers to stay afloat. The ripple effect is clear: egg prices have soared to as much as N4,500 per crate, putting them out of reach for many Nigerians. When basic food items like eggs become a luxury, it signals a serious problem for food security.

Labor shortages are another issue. Many young people are leaving Edo State, seeking work in Europe, because they no longer see viable opportunities in farming. Those who remain are expensive to hire and not always reliable, further driving up production costs. Add to this the unreliable power supply, which forces farmers to rely on costly diesel generators. With diesel at N1,500 per liter and petrol at N900, the costs are unsustainable, leading to wasted products and financial losses.

The economic downturn is making things worse. In a place like Edo, where the economy relies heavily on small businesses and salaries, people are cutting back on basic food purchases. The decline in demand for poultry products is a direct result of the economic hardships people are facing. Farmers are caught in a cycle where their costs keep rising, but their customer base is shrinking.

This situation shows the lack of support for the agricultural sector. Without immediate and substantial intervention from the government, the decline in poultry farming will only continue, leading to greater food insecurity and economic instability. It’s crucial that the government steps in with investments in feed production, energy subsidies, and infrastructure improvements to help farmers survive and thrive.

The current trajectory is unsustainable, and without action, we risk seeing the complete collapse of poultry farming in regions like Edo State. The implications for food security and the economy could be disastrous. It’s time for the government to take these challenges seriously and provide the necessary support to secure the future of Nigeria’s agriculture.