In a bid to alleviate the economic strain on local farmers, the Lagos State government has implemented a subsidy on the prices of eggs and other agricultural produce, garnering praise from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).
Mojeed Iyiola, Chairman of the PAN Lagos State Chapter, expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. He highlighted the challenges faced by poultry farmers due to the recent surge in prices of poultry feed and raw materials.
“Presently, eggs are selling between N3,400 to N3,500 at the farm gate, while retailers charge N4,000 and above. Running a poultry farm has become increasingly burdensome for many local farmers,” Iyiola remarked.
He commended the Lagos State government for its efforts in addressing the sector’s challenges, particularly through the subsidy on agro produce.
“The opening of the food market hub in the Mushin area by the government has significantly eased the financial pressure on poultry farmers. The government subsidizes the prices of various agro produce sold at the hub, including eggs,” Iyiola explained.
The PAN chairman emphasized the tangible benefits of the subsidy for both farmers and consumers, citing a reduction in price manipulation by middlemen.
“This subsidy benefits both farmers and consumers by curbing the influence of middlemen who often inflate prices arbitrarily. Since the launch of the hub, residents of Lagos have access to subsidized rice, beans, tomatoes, and pepper,” he added.
Furthermore, Iyiola highlighted measures implemented to ensure fair distribution at the market hub, including limits on the quantity sold per individual to prevent hoarding and price exploitation.
“The market operates every Saturday, and we restrict sales to two crates per individual to deter bulk buying and resale at exorbitant prices outside the hub,” he stated.
The subsidy initiative underscores the Lagos State government’s commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing food security within the state, as acknowledged by stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
With the implementation of such measures, authorities aim to foster sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring affordable access to essential food items for residents across Lagos State.
