AfriPulse
Poultry farmers in Katsina State have raised concerns over the state government’s proposed partnership with Turkish investors to establish a large-scale poultry hatchery, egg and feed production facility, warning that the project could undermine local producers and destabilise the industry.
The farmers spoke at the second Annual General Meeting of the Katsina State chapter of the Poultry Farmers Association, held on Sunday in Katsina, where members unanimously faulted the plan and called for broader consultation with local stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, the association’s national president, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, said the sector was already under severe strain and risked collapse if policies failed to protect indigenous farmers.
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“We are not against development or foreign investment. But introducing large investors without first strengthening local farmers will destroy the little capacity we have left,” he said.
Farmers cited rising feed costs, limited access to credit, unstable markets and the economic downturn as factors forcing many operators out of business.
A former Katsina State chairman of the association, Dr Musa Rabo Dan Hassan, said small-scale farmers were closing their farms after decades in the business. “If one company controls hatchery, feed and egg production, where do we fit in?” he asked.
Stakeholders warned that the proposed Turkish agro project could dominate the market and threaten an industry that employs over one million people across the poultry value chain in the state.
While acknowledging government efforts at economic development, the farmers called for policies that prioritise local capacity building, affordable inputs and supportive infrastructure.
Vice Chairman, Daura Zone, Hajiya Basira AJ, urged the creation of functional, government-backed poultry markets to stabilise the sector.
Responding, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Shamsu Safana, said the government’s intention was to boost productivity and jobs, assuring farmers that their concerns would be considered.
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Source: DailyTrust | Read the Full Story…
