The soaring inflation rate in Nigeria is driving up the prices of essential commodities, severely impacting the poultry and fish farming industries. Farmers like Jimoh Ayinla and Olatunbosun Emmanuel are struggling with skyrocketing costs of feed, fuel, and veterinary supplies, with poultry feed prices rising from ₦16,000 to ₦20,000 per bag in just a few months. Eggs, which once cost ₦70, now sell for ₦200 per unit, and the price per crate has doubled, with predictions it may reach ₦10,000 soon. Fish farmers face similar challenges, with feed prices pushing fish to ₦3,000 per kilogram, up from ₦1,500 the previous year.
Farmers emphasize that these rising costs will ultimately fall on consumers. They are urging government intervention to address inflation, reduce fuel costs, and provide loans or subsidies to support the agricultural sector. Without action, the situation threatens to further inflate food prices and reduce farmers’ profitability, leading to a potential decline in production.