The recent surge in egg prices and other poultry products in Kano State has sparked widespread concern, particularly as the Muslim fasting period approaches. With eggs being a staple during Ramadan, the current price hikes are raising alarms among the public.
Reports indicate that a single egg now sells for N130, while a crate fetches N3,100. Despite the escalating prices, eggs are becoming increasingly scarce in the state capital, exacerbating worries among residents as other poultry products follow suit in becoming unaffordable for many.
According to Abubakar Abdulsamad, a resident, egg scarcity during Ramadan is not uncommon, but the current situation is aggravated by hoarding practices by merchants aiming for substantial profits during the fasting period. The limited egg supply from local poultry farms is being withheld by some merchants, further contributing to the scarcity.
Poultry farmer Alhaji Isa Abba revealed the strain on farmers, citing the escalating cost of production as a major deterrent. Many farmers have already abandoned their operations due to the economic challenges facing the industry.
Dr. Usman Gwarzo, chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria in Kano State, identified various factors contributing to the scarcity and price hikes. These include soaring prices of poultry feed raw materials, transportation costs, and inadequate hatcheries to meet the demand for chicks.
The association has been advocating for improved security, increased production by engaging real farmers, and the provision of realistic loans to sustain poultry farming in the state. However, without significant interventions, the future of poultry farming in Kano remains uncertain, with many farmers already forced out of business due to the prevailing challenges.
