Stop Buying SUVs, Invest in Tractors, Ogun Poultry Farmers Tell Government

Stop Buying SUVs, Invest in Tractors, Ogun Poultry Farmers Tell Government

The newly elected Chairman of the Poultry Association of Ogun State (PANOG), Yinka Lawal, has called on all levels of government in Nigeria to prioritise mechanised farming over expenditures on nonessential items like SUVs. Lawal emphasised the urgent need to address food insecurity and soaring food prices through genuine investment in agriculture.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Wednesday at the Poultry Farmers’ Secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, Lawal highlighted the critical role of mechanised farming in ensuring sustainable food production for Nigeria’s over 200 million citizens.

“Only a few are actively involved in food production, and unless the government takes a strong interest in mechanised farming, food insecurity will worsen, and prices of foodstuff will continue to rise,” Lawal stated.

He urged governments to allocate resources toward purchasing tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural machinery to enable the large-scale cultivation of Nigeria’s vast arable land.

“Rather than buying SUVs, governments should invest in tractors and harvesters. Mechanised farming is the only solution to Nigeria’s food crisis. Palliatives cannot save us,” Lawal said.

He further noted that insecurity remains a significant barrier to farming activities, urging the government to create a safe environment for farmers to work freely.

Lawal revealed the potential economic benefits of local food production, citing the maize demands of poultry farmers in Ogun State. “For instance, poultry farmers in Ogun State use at least 100 trailer loads of maize monthly. Imagine the economic impact if that maize was grown within the state,” he said, urging for increased government support.

Addressing reports of high chicken prices during the December festive season, Lawal blamed “emergency backyard poultry farmers” and middlemen for inflating costs. He clarified that PANOG members sold chickens at no more than ₦15,000, significantly lower than the reported prices of ₦25,000 to ₦30,000.

Lawal encouraged seasonal farmers to join the association to access cost-saving benefits, such as bulk feed purchases and production information, which could reduce costs and stabilise prices.

“As members of the poultry association, we enjoy benefits like bulk feed purchases at reduced costs. Seasonal and backyard farmers who do not have this support produce at a much higher cost. Joining our association can help them produce competitively and avoid putting undue pressure on consumers,” he explained.

Lawal reiterated the need for governments to adopt a long-term strategy to combat food insecurity by investing in mechanised farming and addressing insecurity challenges. “This is the route the government at all levels should follow in the year 2025,” he concluded.