The Nigerian government has provided 200 poultry farmers in Nasarawa State with starter packs to empower them to boost local poultry production. The initiative is part of the Home-Grown Poultry Scheme by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
The farmers received cages, 25 birds each, and three bags of chicken feed. The supplies aim to help them establish and scale their poultry farming operations.
NALDA Executive Secretary Paul Ikonne said the revolving scheme intends to curb chicken imports to Nigeria. This would save on foreign exchange and create local employment opportunities.
The agency partnered with traditional leaders in Nasarawa to identify genuine grassroots farmers as beneficiaries. The Emir of Lafia and Nasarawa Council of Chiefs Chairman, Justice Sidi Muhammed, commended the program. He pledged that the traditional leaders would ensure its success across the state.
Earlier in his New Year address, President Bola Tinubu promised Nigerians strengthened food security. Schemes like the NALDA Home-Grown Poultry Initiative work towards this goal. They empower farmers to meet chicken demand locally rather than via imports.
Expanded poultry production aligns with Nigeria’s agricultural and economic priorities. More farmers participating sustainably create jobs and incomes. It also provides nutritious, affordable chicken to Nigerian consumers at scale.