In Kano State, the recent surge in egg prices and other poultry products has sparked widespread concern, particularly as the Muslim fasting period approaches. With eggs traditionally in high demand during Ramadan, residents are feeling the pinch as costs skyrocket.
Reports indicate that individual eggs are now selling at N130, while a crate commands a hefty price tag of N3,100. Moreover, the scarcity of eggs in the state metropolis is exacerbating worries among the populace, with other poultry products also becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen.
According to concerned resident Abubakar Abdulsamad, the recurrent issue of egg scarcity during fasting periods like Ramadan is compounded by merchants hoarding supplies for profit. He pointed out that the limited eggs produced by local poultry farmers are being stockpiled by opportunistic traders, further exacerbating the shortage and price hikes.
Alhaji Isa Abba, a poultry farmer in the state, lamented that the soaring cost of production has forced many farmers to abandon the business altogether. Factors such as escalating prices of poultry feed raw materials, chicks, vaccines, and transportation have rendered poultry farming financially unsustainable for numerous practitioners.
Dr. Usman Gwarzo, chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Kano State, attributed the crisis to a confluence of factors including the skyrocketing costs of maize and soya mill, essential ingredients for poultry feed production. He highlighted the impact of transportation challenges and insecurity on farming activities, leading to a drastic reduction in the number of operational poultry farms.
Gwarzo emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures, increased production capacity through support for genuine farmers, and the provision of realistic loans to bolster the poultry industry’s resilience amid challenging economic conditions.
As the specter of egg scarcity looms large over Kano State, stakeholders are calling for concerted efforts to address the underlying issues and ensure that essential poultry products remain accessible to all, especially during critical periods like Ramadan.
